The intense scent and oil in basil and many other herbs are often used to deter common household pests. The pungent herb seems to repel flies and basil pest control has been used since ancient times.
What does a basil plant repel?
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.
Is basil pest resistant?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any basil varieties that are particularly resistant to pests. There are disease-resistant basils, such as the four Rutgers varieties, and fungus-resistant varieties, such as nufar basil. However, you can still use these varieties to your advantage.
What animals are attracted to 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 pests does basil attract?
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 insects does basil keep away?
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 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.
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 bring 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.
Does basil keep aphids away?
Basil ( Ocimum basilicum) is a very versatile herb, and is well known to repel aphids.
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.
Do flies hate basil?
Basil – Flies hate the smell of basil. Place a few basil plants in your kitchen and watch them disappear.
Do rats eat basil?
Basil grown in the garden can also be eaten by wild birds, rats, or possums. Luckily, keeping small animals away from your basil is more manageable than protecting it from insects.
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 squirrels?
Squirrels will avoid most herbs with a strong flavor native to the Mediterranean like basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and mint.
Does basil repel spiders?
All basil (Ocimum basilicum) varieties—Genovese, cinnamon, lemon, and Thai basil—have a strong scent that deters spiders. It is a cold-sensitive herb that can be grown as a perennial in warm climates and indoors.
Does rosemary keep bugs away?
Rosemary.
Though you’ll want to plant an herb garden for cooking, rosemary repels flies and mosquitoes. It also has a pungent scent that drives away other bugs, including cabbage moths. It does well in hot dry weather, and thrives in containers, so you can set it in various places around the garden.
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.
What can I plant in my garden to keep bugs away?
Here are 10 common varieties of plants and herbs which you can add around your property this summer to keep the annoying insects away.
- 5 Plants that Are Natural Pest Deterrents. Citronella grass. Lemongrass. Marigolds. Chrysanthemums. Petunias.
- 5 Herbs that Are Natural Pest Deterrents. Mint. Basil. Lavender. Chives. Rosemary.
How do I keep bugs out of my vegetable garden naturally?
10 Natural Ways to Eliminate Garden Insect Pests
- Start with “Clean” Soil. Good soil can actually deter garden insect pests.
- Buy Disease and Pest-Resistant Seeds.
- Selectively and Aggressively Thin Out Plants.
- Water Plants in the Early Morning.
- Control Weeds.
- Keep your Garden Clean.
- Use Insect Traps.
- Add Beneficial Insects.
What plant repels most insects?
Here’s a quick list of some of plants that are revered for their insect-repelling properties.
- Lavender. Lavender.
- Basil. While we all love the smell of basil, mosquitoes, moths, and flies are not fans.
- Thyme.
- Mint.
- Lemongrass.
- Alliums.
- Chrysanthemums.
- Petunias.