Basil, a fragrant herb cherished for its distinct flavor and versatility in the kitchen, graces many home gardens. Its vibrant green leaves and inviting aroma make it a popular choice for culinary enthusiasts. However, this appealing plant attracts more than just human admirers, presenting a common challenge for gardeners as various animals also find basil to be a desirable food source.
Common Pests That Eat Basil
Many different creatures are drawn to basil, from tiny invertebrates to larger mammals. Slugs and snails leave characteristic chew marks on leaves, often feeding during cooler, damper conditions. Aphids, tiny sap-sucking insects, cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, extracting plant fluids.
Other insect pests include grasshoppers and Japanese beetles, which can cause significant damage. Grasshoppers chew irregular holes in leaves, consuming large portions of the foliage. Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves by eating the tissue between the veins, leaving behind a lacy pattern.
Larger animals also pose a threat to basil plants. Rabbits are notorious for nibbling on young, tender plants, often consuming entire small basil plants down to the ground. Deer, while less common in urban gardens, can decimate a basil patch quickly, browsing on leaves and stems.
Voles and mice can also cause damage, though their activity might be less visible initially. Voles chew on the stems at the base of the plant or on the roots, leading to wilting or collapse. Mice might also nibble on lower leaves or stems. Their presence can be indicated by small tunnels or disturbed soil near the plant base.
Identifying Damage to Basil Plants
Observing damage on basil plants helps pinpoint the responsible pest. Chewed leaves are common, but patterns vary. Ragged, irregular holes or missing sections often suggest feeding by grasshoppers or slugs, especially if accompanied by shiny, dried slime trails. Clean, circular holes or skeletonized leaves, where only veins remain, indicate Japanese beetle activity.
Damage to stems or roots can be more subtle but equally detrimental. If a basil plant suddenly wilts or collapses even with adequate watering, it might indicate stems chewed through at the base or roots damaged underground, often by voles or mice. These plants may appear healthy one day and then rapidly decline without obvious leaf damage.
Honeydew, a sticky substance, suggests an aphid infestation. Honeydew can lead to black sooty mold, which coats leaves and hinders photosynthesis. If entire plants or significant sections of a basil patch disappear overnight, it points to larger animals like rabbits or deer.
Protecting Your Basil Plants
Physical barriers prevent many animals from reaching basil. Floating row covers, lightweight fabrics draped over plants and secured at the edges, deter flying insects like Japanese beetles and larger animals. For persistent pests like rabbits or deer, fine-mesh netting or fencing around basil creates a protective barrier. Raised garden beds, especially with added fencing, also make it harder for ground-dwelling pests to access plants.
Natural repellents discourage pests without harming basil or the environment. Planting strongly scented companion plants like marigolds, mint, or garlic near basil deter certain insects and larger animals due to their pungent aromas. A homemade garlic spray, made by steeping crushed garlic in water and spraying the strained liquid onto leaves, acts as a temporary deterrent.
Good gardening practices protect basil from pests. Regularly inspecting plants allows early detection of pest activity, enabling hand-picking larger insects like slugs, snails, or Japanese beetles before extensive damage. Proper watering, such as at the base of plants in the morning, reduces humidity around leaves, discouraging slugs and snails. Keeping the garden area free of weeds and debris eliminates hiding spots for many pests, maintaining a healthier growing environment for basil.