Gardening and Horticulture - Pest Eating Basil Plant

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MattL
07-04-05, 12:28 PM
Hello,

I have a few basil plants growing outdoors. They are about 2 - 2.5 inches tall now, but on one of them something has been eating parts of the leaves. It almost looks like what a catapiller would do but I can't see anything on the plants.

Does anyone have an idea of what it could be, and how to get rid of it??
I live in near Toronto in Canada.

Thanks for the help,
MattL

majakdragon
07-04-05, 12:55 PM
When I encounter insects chewing on my plants I get out the Sevin Dust. Sprinkle on the plant leaves and usually don't have further problems. Get the 5% Sevin. They sell a 10% but it is rather strong for plants. I use that on my pets if I find a flea problem. Good luck.
twelvepole
07-08-05, 08:12 PM
Common basil pests are aphids, Japanese beetles and slugs. Knock off aphids with a spray of water, hand pick off Japanese beetles and drop into soapy water. For slugs, put out small containers of beer to attract them.

If you are seeing the culprit(s), it may be slugs. Slugs are nocturnal, so you might want to take a garden stroll after dark with your flashlight.