What Insects Does Basil Attract?

If you’re wondering, here’s a list of insects that eat basil leaves and are the most likely culprits:

• Slugs and snails.
• Caterpillars.
• Aphids.
• Bush crickets (katydids)
• Japanese beetles.
• Leafhoppers.
• Leaf miners.
• Spider mites.

Does basil attract anything?

What animals and insects eat basil? Aside from people, there are a variety of things that eat basil. Japanese beetles, slugs, and aphids are the most common basil pests. Other pests include whiteflies, spider mites, caterpillars, and thrips.

What does basil plants attract?

Basil Attracts Beneficial Insects
Another reason for letting your basil go to flower (besides beauty) is that the blossoms attract beneficial insects and pollinators that you want to have in your garden. Bees and butterflies especially love basil flowers!

Does basil draw bugs?

A handful of insects are attracted to the basil plant. The Japanese Beetle, slugs, thrips, aphids, spider mites, and some caterpillars. Smaller insects can be removed with a strong water spray, while larger garden pests can be picked off by hand.

What bug is eating basil?

The most common pests of basil are Japanese beetles, slugs and aphids. Japanese beetles are usually present for about a month in the summer. They skeletonize the foliage (i.e., eat the leaf blades, but do not consume the larger veins of the leaves).

What should not be planted near basil?

Plants to Avoid Growing With Basil

• Cucumbers. Cucumbers are a bad basil plant companion because the two plants compete for resources, such as water and nutrients.
• Fennel. Fennel is another plant that you should avoid growing with your basil.
• Thyme.
• Common Rue.
• Sage.

Does basil keep spiders away?

In addition to being a fantastic cooking ingredient, basil will also repel spiders and other types of bugs such as ants, houseflies and mosquitoes. Plant basil in pots in outdoor areas and by your house. You can also use fresh basil to make an insect repellent spray.

Does basil plant attract flies?

Potted basil plants require well-drained soil and should not be allowed to stand in a dish of water. Soggy soil attracts small gnats and basil plant flies which are annoying and difficult to remove. Outdoor basil plants are susceptible to whiteflies in spite of their ability to repel domestic house flies.

Does basil attract bees?

Bees love basil, too, and like to collect both pollen and nectar from its blooms. Did we mention that? Let your basil flower and you’ll keep your neighborhood bees happy. Bees love herbs, but you have to make sure there are flowers available for pollen and nectar.

What eats basil at night?

Slugs and snails also tend to eat basil at night. If you notice a lot of the leaf damage is happening over night, it’s a strong sign that it’s a slug or snail snacking on that precious basil leaf.

What does basil keep away?

Basil. An ever popular herb and a great source of Vitamin A. Basil compliments a variety of dishes but is also good at repelling pests such as mosquitoes and houseflies. Importantly, basil works as a bug repellent when crushed.

What insect lays eggs on basil?

Adult cabbage loopers are moths that lay their hundreds of eggs in deposits of up to seven eggs at a time on sweet basil plants. Within four days, the hatched larvae chew and consume leaves.

How do I keep bugs from eating my basil?

Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps are available in both ready-to-use spray bottles or as concentrate. If you use the former, shake the spray bottle and squirt the soap spray directly on the basil leaves, being sure to coat the lower leaves as well as the upper surfaces. If possible, squirt basil pests directly.

What can I spray on my herbs to keep bugs away?

Soap Spray—Your Number One Defense
Spraying insecticidal soap on your herbs prevents them from being able to do that. For this particular soap spray mixture, you may also want to add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a little neem oil to give it a punch to munching bugs.

Does basil need full sun?

Choose a location with plenty of sunlight.
Basil thrives in warm temperatures and full morning sun. If you live in an area with scorching midday sun, try to give your basil light shade during the hottest time of day.

Will basil grow in shade?

It is recommended that basil is not grown in full shade (less than 1 hour of direct sunlight per day). Partial sun or partial shade means that the plant receives 2 to 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Can I plant lavender and basil together?

With the ability to repel aphids and other garden pests, basil makes a wonderful companion herb for lavender. Keep in mind, though, that basil likes the soil a bit wetter than lavender.

What plants keep cockroaches away?

Best Plants that Repel Roaches

• Rosemary. Botanical Name: Salvia rosmarinus.
• Catnip. Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria.
• Mint. Botanical Name: Mentha.
• Chrysanthemums. Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum x morifolium.
• Garlic. Botanical Name: Allium sativum.
• Osage Orange Trees. Botanical Name: Maclura pomifera.
• Bay Leaf Plant.
• Lemongrass.

What plants attract spiders?

Spiders are attracted to sunflowers.
This means other tall plants such as hollyhocks, delphiniums, and foxgloves could be bringing spiders around as well. According to Gaumond, sunflowers also attract a variety of other insects that spiders like to make a meal of.

Is basil safe for dogs?

Yes! Basil is healthy for your dog to eat in small quantities. It’s anti-inflammatory and contains a high level of antioxidants that help prevent many types of illness including cancer. Basil also helps prevent cellular damage, calms your anxious dog, and eases arthritis pain.

Does basil keep aphids away?

Basil- Repels flies, mosquitoes, carrot fly and white flies. Borage- Repels tomato hornworm and cabbage worms. Chamomile- Repels flies, mosquitoes, carrot fly. Chives- Repels carrot fly, aphids and Japanese beetles.