What's eating my basil?

Basil's biggest pest threat is Japanese beetle and aphids outdoors, while indoors spider mites and aphids dominate. Slugs shred seedlings at ground level. Thrips disfigure leaves. In warm humid conditions, basil downy mildew (though fungal, not a pest) often accompanies insect pressure. Scout weekly during the growing season.

Soft insects clustered on stem tips; distorted leaves; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on foliage Pinch off heavily infested tips; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; release beneficial insects in a greenhouse

Skeletonized leaves with only veins remaining; adults feed in groups on foliage and flowers Hand-pick into soapy water in the early morning; avoid pheromone traps near the garden; apply pyrethrin as a last resort

Irregular holes in leaves and stems, especially on seedlings; slime trails present overnight Use iron phosphate pellets around plants; set beer traps; hand-pick at dusk; keep soil surface dry between waterings

Silvery, streaked or distorted leaves; tiny dark specks of frass visible on foliage surface Remove affected leaves; apply spinosad or neem oil spray; use blue sticky traps to monitor and reduce adult numbers