If a cloud of whiteflies rises from the basil at the slightest touch, it is a great shock. In order to save the herb plant from extinction, immediate countermeasures are required. Read here how to get rid of the pests.
How do I get rid of flies on my basil?
To get rid of basil flies, you can put up yellow adhesive boards, use natural enemies such as parasitic wasps or predatory bugs, use biological sprays, incorporate neem seeds into the substrate and use preventative measures such as insect nets or plant partners.
Knowledge of lifestyle increases efficiency of control
Whiteflies are closely related to scale insects, from which they differ visually due to their mealy-white wings. The delicate, 1-2 mm small insects are actually pretty to look at. However, both the adult flies and their brood suck the life out of a basil. They develop the highest infestation pressure at temperatures of 23-25 degrees Celsius.
Defensive measures in the bed and on the balcony
Typical symptoms of an infestation are yellow mottling on the leaves. The adults also excrete honeydew, which causes black sooty mold. In order to put an end to this shameful activity, the use of systemic, chemical-based insecticides on basil is frowned upon. Use these biological remedies to combat whiteflies:
- put up yellow adhesive boards behind glass
- Apply parasitic wasps or predatory bugs Macrolophus caliginosus in the greenhouse
- If the infestation pressure is high, use biological sprays, such as Celaflor pest-free neem (€13.00 at Amazon)
- Work neem seeds into the substrate
Preventive measures
You can effectively protect basil in the bed and pot with close-meshed insect nets. As soon as temperatures rise above 20 degrees Celsius, the nets should be spread out. In this way, the winged females cannot find access to the plant. In addition, defensive plant partners have proven to be effective, such as marigolds and nasturtiums. Ecologically oriented hobby gardeners also advocate regularly showering the bed soil with a decoction of oak leaves.
Weakened basil is more susceptible
The more vital a plant is, the more resistant it is to all kinds of diseases and pests. Your basil is less vulnerable to whiteflies if the water and nutrient supply is right. Water the herb plant regularly as soon as the substrate has dried. As a heavy feeder, kingweed requires a weekly application of compost or a similar organic fertilizer from May to September.
Tips & Tricks
Do you know the most natural form of fly traps, without any chemicals? With carnivorous plants, also known as carnivores, you can add a resolute trap next to a basil on the windowsill. Butterwort or the Venus flytrap give the fluttering pests no chance.
