What's eating my lemon basil?

Lemon basil is most threatened by aphids and Japanese beetles outdoors, with spider mites hitting during hot dry spells. Slugs and snails rasp young leaves in cool wet weather. The pungent citrus oils offer some deterrence, but lush fast-growing foliage still attracts piercing insects. Check leaf undersides daily during summer.

Clusters of soft green or black insects on shoot tips and leaf undersides; leaves curl, yellow, and become sticky with honeydew; sooty mould may follow Blast off with a sharp stream of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly; encourage ladybirds and lacewings

Skeletonised leaves with only the veins remaining; beetles visible on foliage in midsummer (US only) Hand-pick beetles into soapy water in the morning; use row covers during peak season June through August; avoid Japanese beetle traps near the planting

Fine stippling and bronzing on leaves; tiny webbing on undersides, worst during hot dry weather Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove and destroy heavily infested stems

Ragged holes in young leaves and seedlings, slime trails visible at night or after rain Apply iron phosphate pellets around plants; set out beer traps; remove debris and mulch from the soil surface to reduce hiding spots