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How can I protect my basil plants?

I just put in a small, but varied herb garden (in pots), and insects immediately started destroying the sweet basil. The don't touch anything else, including the thai, lemon and spicy globe basil varieties.

It's clear that the sweet basil has had a lot of its natural defenses breed out to select for its taste and I would like to be able to grow it, but I can live without if need be.

Should I use a natural pesticide on the whole garden? I'd rather not and I'm concerned that if I get rid of the basil altogether, the bugs will just move to the next best thing. Perhaps I could plant the basil a short ways away as a sacrificial distraction?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I live on the east coast if that makes any difference. Also, here is a picture of the entomological offense, they only come out at night.

 

Danger asked in Pest Control/Weeds 10 months ago | Report

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    Master Gardener Andrea

    Danger, I believe Earwigs are feeding on your sweet basil. Earwigs are reddish-brown insects about 3/4" or less in length. Both males and females have pincers at the rear end. Earwigs are largely beneficial, feeding on many pests such as aphids (including apple aphids), mites, and nematodes, as well as on algae, fungi, and decaying plant material. However, earwigs can also damage plants. They sometimes feed on flowers (such as Dahlias), shoot tips, or leaves. Damaged shoot tips may fail to develop properly, sometimes stunting growth. Damaged leaves exhibit small to large holes.

    So, what to do?  Here's an old, tried and true, remedy to get rid of these pests. Place wet/moistened newspapers around the base of the plant—burlap bags or flat boards also work in the garden—to monitor and trap the earwigs. Earwigs prefer narrow, enclosed hiding spaces. In the morning the earwigs will likely be in the newspaper and can be destroyed when the material covering them is removed. Be vigilant. You'll want to do this every evening and removed the newspapers each morning. There are some insecticides registered for use, but I’d try this old method first. Good luck!  I hope this helps.

    P.S.  Dahlia lovers often place cut flowers on newspapers before bringing them into the house to get rid of earwigs.  -MG Andrea

    Master Gardener Andrea answered in Pest Control/Weeds 10 months ago | Report
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