AT A GLANCE
Who eats basil leaves?
Why does basil have holes in the leaves?
If outside growing basil has holes in the leaves and these may also be covered with speckles, this is because pests nibbled at the plants.
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Which pests are responsible for the nibbling?
The food marks can be traced back to different pests:
- snails (in extreme cases they can nibble off the plant down to the skeleton)
- Mean catchy tune (a flying insect and omnivore; bought basil plants are often infested with it)
- aphids
- miner flies (Damage can be recognized by particularly small holes)
Rarely, gamma-ray owls, which are diurnal and nocturnal moths, can also eat basil. Especially with weakened plants and prolonged drought Earth the caterpillars of the gamma-ray owl can cause great damage to the basil.
What can be done against the pests?
Are snails the culprits can, in addition to prevention (see tip box), home remedies such as scattered coffee grounds or one placed in the herb bed beer trap be helpful.
In the event of an infestation insects Diseased plant parts must be removed and disposed of quickly. A repeated dusting with charcoal ash or bedrock mealafter rinsing and drying, at least strong plants can often save.
Adhesive boards can be placed around the basil to prevent repeat infestation.
Do rodents eat basil?
Rodents like mice and rats can do it too Culprits of eaten basil be. They like the taste of the herb, and dried basil is often included in the feed for these animals. If mice or rats are the culprits, the eaten leaves should not be allowed under any circumstances dried or eaten fresh as the rodents can transmit diseases. It only helps to set up traps to avoid scavenging in the future.
Can other animals be responsible for the food marks?
Although like cats Green plants, which smell very aromatic, don't particularly like them - but their curiosity can lead them to eat basil. If you plant cat grass in the immediate vicinity, the pets can be distinguished from the different sorts coax away the basil.
Tip
Prevent snails from gnawing at you in the first place
Of course, it's best not to let animals eat the basil plants at all. At least snails can be denied the way to the plants: either they put a so-called snail collar after planting or Open the snail fence or cultivate the basil together with plants that scare off snails with their scent – for example lavender or industrious plants Lizzie.
