Basil is a fragrant and flavorful herb commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, but it can be vulnerable to certain pests, such as Japanese Beetles.
If these pests are left uncontrolled, they can cause significant damage to the basil plant.
But don’t worry, because there are several steps you can take to protect your basil from Japanese Beetles.
This step-by-step guide will explain how to recognize the signs of Japanese Beetles, as well as the best methods for preventing and controlling them.
From hand-picking beetles to planting pest-repelling plants, you’ll learn how to keep your basil plant healthy and thriving.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
One way to protect basil from Japanese beetles is to cover the plants with an insect barrier such as floating row covers, cheesecloth, or netting.
Additionally, hand-picking and disposing of the beetles can be effective in controlling infestations.
Lastly, incorporating beneficial insects such as ladybugs and praying mantis into the garden can help reduce the population of Japanese beetles.
What Are Japanese Beetles?
Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are an invasive species of pest that are native to Japan and were first discovered in the United States in 1916.
These pests are small, oval-shaped insects that are metallic green in color with copper-colored wings, and grow to be around one-half inch in length.
The adult beetles feed on the leaves and flowers of over 300 different species of plants, including basil, and can cause extensive damage to foliage if left unchecked.
They are especially attracted to pungent and fragrant plants like basil, and can be found in groups on the underside of leaves.
The larvae of Japanese beetles are white grub-like creatures that feed on the roots of grass and other plants, and can cause significant damage to turf grass and other plants.
Signs of Japanese Beetles in Basil Plants
Inspecting your basil plants for signs of Japanese beetles is the first step in protecting them from these destructive pests. The most obvious sign of their presence is the presence of the beetles themselves, which are metallic green in color with a copper-colored head and thorax and a white tuft of hair at the tip of their abdomen. Additionally, they often leave behind a tell-tale sign of their presence: small, round, and typically yellowish spots on the leaves of the basil plant. These spots can turn brown and become bigger in size over time, making it easy to spot the damage that the Japanese beetles have caused. If these signs are spotted, its important to act quickly and get rid of the beetles before they can cause more damage.
Hand-Picking Japanese Beetles
Hand-picking Japanese beetles off of basil plants is one of the most effective methods of controlling their population.
This method is best used when there are only a few beetles present, as it is much more time-consuming than other methods of control.
To hand-pick, carefully inspect the basil plant for beetles.
Once one is spotted, gently grasp it with tweezers or a pair of gloves and remove it from the plant, taking care not to crush it.
After the beetle is removed, place it in a sealed container and dispose of it in the trash.
Repeating this process regularly can help to ensure the population of Japanese beetles does not get out of control.
Planting Plants That Repel Japanese Beetles
One of the most effective ways to protect basil from Japanese Beetles is to plant other plants that naturally repel them.
There are a variety of plants that have been known to be effective in repelling these pesky pests, including chives, garlic, and geraniums.
Chives are a type of onion that can be planted around the perimeter of a garden to keep Japanese Beetles away.
The strong smell of the chives will act as a natural deterrent to the beetles and keep them from decimating your basil plants.
Garlic is another excellent choice when it comes to repelling Japanese Beetles.
Garlic cloves can be planted around the perimeter of your garden or near the basil plants to keep the beetles away.
Geraniums are also known to be a great deterrent to Japanese Beetles.
These plants emit a strong scent that Japanese Beetles cant stand, so planting them near your basil plants will help keep the beetles away.
Additionally, planting geraniums around the perimeter of your garden will also help keep the beetles away from your other plants.
By planting these plants that naturally repel Japanese Beetles, you can ensure that your basil plants are safe from these destructive pests.
Not only will these plants help keep the beetles away, but they will also act as a beautiful addition to your garden.
Using Insecticidal Soaps and Horticultural Oils
Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils are an effective way to control Japanese beetle populations in the garden.
Insecticidal soaps are specially formulated to kill the larvae of the beetle, as well as prevent adults from laying eggs.
Horticultural oils, on the other hand, smother the beetles, preventing them from feeding on your basil plants.
When using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, it is important to follow the directions on the product label carefully.
It is best to apply insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not as strong.
If applying during the day, try to apply when the sun is not directly on the basil plants.
Additionally, it is important to cover the entire plant, including the underside of the leaves, as the beetles can be hiding there.
Re-application of the product is often necessary to keep the beetles at bay, so make sure to follow the directions on the label for the best results.
Finally, when using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, make sure to keep children and pets away from the area until the product has been fully absorbed.
Keeping the Area Near the Basil Plant Clean
The area surrounding the basil plant should be kept clean to ensure a healthy environment and reduce the risk of Japanese beetles.
This includes removing any debris from the area, such as fallen leaves, weeds, and other plant matter, as these can provide a breeding ground for insects.
Additionally, the soil should be kept well-drained, as standing water can attract the beetles.
A layer of mulch can help reduce the risk of standing water, as well as provide a buffer between the soil and the basil plant.
This helps keep the plant healthier and more resistant to pests.
Additionally, pruning any nearby plants, especially those that are prone to being infested with Japanese beetles, can also help reduce the risk of infestation.
Finally, ensuring that the basil plant has enough space to spread its leaves and receive adequate sunlight can also help it stay healthy and less likely to be targeted by Japanese beetles.
Keeping the Soil Well-Drained
Keeping the soil well-drained is important for protecting basil from Japanese beetles.
Japanese beetles prefer to feed and lay eggs in moist soil, and well-draining soil helps to reduce the risk of them taking up residence in your basil plant.
You can achieve well-draining soil by ensuring that the soil is not overly compacted, and by adding organic matter like compost or mulch to help keep the soil soft.
Additionally, it’s important to keep the area around the basil plant free of debris and weeds, as these can contribute to excessive moisture in the soil and provide shelter for the beetles.
If you have a raised bed or container, you can also build a drainage system with gravel or sand to ensure that the soil is not retaining too much moisture.
By taking these steps, you can greatly reduce the chance of Japanese beetles taking up residence in your basil plant.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to protect basil from Japanese beetles, you can take action to make sure your basil stays healthy and strong.
Hand-picking any beetles you find, planting plants that repel them, and using insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils are all effective methods of controlling the beetle population.
Keeping the area near the basil plant clean and the soil well-drained also helps reduce the risk of Japanese beetles.
With these steps, you can protect your basil plants from these destructive pests and enjoy a healthy, delicious harvest.