Instead of spraying yourself with DEET or other chemicals, simply crush a few basil leaves and rub them on your skin and clothing. The basil will repel bothersome pests, including mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are your most prominent pest, lime basil (Ocimum americanum) and holy basil (Ocimum sanctu) work best.
How do I use basil as insect repellent?
Skin protection
One alternative is to make your own fresh basil mosquito repellent. Place 6 ounces of freshly picked basil leaves into a pint jar and pour 4 ounces of boiling water over them. Cover the jar and let it sit for four hours. Strain the liquid into a spray bottle.
Can basil be used as a pesticide?
A leaf-extract of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) was used in formulating an aerosol and mosquito coil, and their efficacy tested against adult mosquitoes. The formulations had potencies of 93 ± 4 and 95 ± 5% for the aerosol and coil, respectively.
What does basil keep away?
Basil also acts as a good insect repellent for flies and mosquitoes. Very useful using fresh leaves rubbed on the skin.
How do you use basil as a fly repellent?
Basil – Basil is a wonderful fly repelling herb plant with numerous varieties, ease of growth, and a heavenly aroma. Bruising a leaf and then rubbing it on your skin will provide protection from flies and other biting insects.
What bugs does basil attract?
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.
Is basil toxic to dogs?
“Most herbs are toxic to dogs and cats, except for basil,” said George Pisegna, deputy director chief of horticulture at the Horticultural Society of New York. “If your cat chews on basil it’s probably because they really like it.
Will basil attract bugs?
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.
Does basil attract bugs inside?
Unfortunately, pests can invade indoor plants, such as basil. Among the likely culprits are fungus gnats, which look similar to mosquitoes, and hover and breed in moist places, such as potting soil.
Does basil deter garden pests?
Basil is great herb to plant in a tomato garden, not only because it tastes great in pasta sauce, but also because basil helps protect against tomato hookworm infestations that can wreak havoc on crops. Basil’s aroma naturally deters some mosquitos and house flies.
What insects does a basil plant repel?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil repels asparagus beetle, carrot fly, flies, mosquitoes, and whitefly. 2 It’s the scent that deters the insects, so gently touching the leaves to release their oils as you walk by improves its effectiveness.
Does basil attract ants?
Basil has a strong scent that repels most pests and insects, making it a good companion for a lot of plants. Ants too are usually deterred by the smell of basil. So if there are still ants on and around your basil plant, one of the reasons could be honeydew.
Does basil keep house flies away?
If you want to keep those pesky flies and mosquitoes away then try keeping basil in your home. The herb has been used for pest control since ancient times, due to its strong aroma and oil. As a bonus, it also makes for a tasty garnish.
Does basil actually repel mosquitoes?
Basil brings us delicious pesto sauce and tasty salads, but it can also keep away mosquitoes. This plant naturally emits its aroma, so there’s no need to crush the leaves or prepare it in any way. Basil is toxic to mosquito larvae, so you can put it near standing water to deter mosquitoes from laying eggs.
Does basil deter mice?
Herbs that have the strongest smells such as mint (especially peppermint), catnip, rosemary, sage, lavender, oregano, and basil are the most effective plants at keeping these unwelcome creatures away.
Do flies like the smell of basil?
Basil – Flies hate the smell of basil. Place a few basil plants in your kitchen and watch them disappear.
Do rats eat basil?
Rats are known for their love of eating basil. In addition to nibbling basil leaves, rats and mice can also access plants and their roots from below ground (they tunnel and burrow just like gophers and moles).
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.
Does basil repel aphids?
Most plants that repel aphids are herbs such as garlic, chives, catnip, rosemary, mint, dill, cilantro (coriander), oregano, savory, thyme, basil, rue, and lavender. Onions, citrus, marigolds, petunias, ageratum, tansy, pigweed, and marsh Labrador tea plants are all considered aphid repellents as well.
Can dogs eat fresh basil leaves?
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.
Is basil toxic to cats?
Basil is one of the most widely grown herbs safe for cats. As any cat owner knows, they love to chew on whatever they can get their teeth on, and basil is a chewy leaf that is good for them.