As delicious as basil is, the plant is not easy to care for and is very susceptible to pest infestation, especially if it does not feel comfortable in its location. Thrips are very common and are usually recognized late.
How do you recognize a thrips infestation?
An infestation of basil with thrips can be recognized by the fact that the plant getsgray spots. These can also appear shiny and silvery in the early stages. In addition,small black dots(balls of feces) can usually be observed, andgrowth delays are also part of the damage.
What are thrips?
Thrips (Latin name: Thysanoptera) are only a few millimeters longpests of black-brown color, of which there are countless subspecies. Some of them have wings, which is why they are also called fringed wings. Thrips are often difficult to see with the naked eye, which is why an infestation with them is often only recognized late. The larvae of the animals usually sit on the underside of the leaves.
Is basil susceptible to thrips infestation?
Basil isvery susceptible to thrips. Basil, which is grown as a houseplant, is most at risk - the pests feel particularly comfortable in dry indoor air and attack the plant by sucking. But even basil outside and even in the greenhouse is not safe from infestation by the animals that initially live in the substrate.
What damage do thrips cause to basil?
In addition to thegray spots, which quickly spread from the lower pairs of leaves to new shoots,the leaves deformand gradually become crippled. Finally, the shoot tips are also affected and theplants dieThe damage caused to basil can easily be confused with that of the spider mite.
Which home remedies help against thrips?
Various home remedies can help with a thrips infestation:
- Water: rinse the basil thoroughly and then shake it off
- Soap suds: Mix 500 milliliters of water with eight grams of soft soap and shower the plant several times with it
- Sticky traps: the pests stick to a so-called blue board (€8.00 on Amazon)
- Neem oil: the larvae can be carefully dabbed with this
It is best to avoid chemical pesticides.
Can pest infestations be prevented?
To prevent pest infestation, it can help to increase thehumidity indoors- the easiest way is to spray the plants with water. It is also highly advisable to always protect the basil from waterlogging- this makes infestation with pests and fungal diseases much less likely.
Can infected basil plants always be saved?
Basil plants with thrips can only be saved if an infestationacts quickly. If the infestation is already severe, it is better to dispose of the basil before the pests have spread to other plants.
Tip
No danger to humans
Although basil leaves infected by thrips can no longer be eaten, the unpleasant pest is harmless to humans. Especially in humid weather, the animals are almost magically attracted to the smell of human sweat and like to sting.