AT A GLANCE
How do you recognize a thrips infestation?
An infestation of basil with thrips can be recognized by the fact that the plant gray spots receives. These can also appear shiny silvery in the early stages. In addition, you can usually small black dots (excrement balls) observe, too growth delays belong to the bad picture.
What are thrips?
Thrips (Latin name: Thysanoptera) are just a few millimeters in sizepests of black-brown color, of which there are innumerable subspecies. Some of them have wings, which is why they are also called thrips. With bare Eye thrips are often hardly recognizable, which is why an infestation with them is often recognized late. The larvae of the animals usually sit on the underside of the leaf.
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Is basil susceptible to thrips infestation?
basil is very vulnerable for thrips. Basil is most at risk houseplant is cultivated - the pests feel particularly comfortable in dry room air and suck on the plant. But also basil outside and even inside Glasshouse is not safe from infestation with the animals initially living in the substrate.
What damage do thrips cause to basil?
Next to the gray spots, which quickly spread to new shoots from the lower pairs of leaves, deform the leaves and gradually cripple. Finally, the shoot tips are also affected and the plants die.
The damage to basil can easily be compared to that of spider mite be confused.
What home remedies help against thrips?
In the case of an infestation with thrips, different home remedies help:
- Water: Rinse the basil thoroughly and then shake it off
- soapy water: 500 milliliters of water with eight grams soft soap(€5.00 at Amazon*) Mix and shower the plant with it several times
- sticky traps: the pests stick to a so-called blue panel
- neem oil: the larvae can be gently dabbed with this
Chemical pesticides are best avoided.
Can you prevent pest infestation?
To prevent pest infestation, it can help increase indoor humidity – easiest by spraying the plants with water. Also, the basil always to protect against waterlogging, is absolutely advisable - so is an infestation with pests and also fungal diseases significantly less likely.
Can infested basil plants always be saved?
Basil plants with thrips can only be saved if infested acted quickly becomes. If the infestation is already severe, the basil is better disposed of before the pests have spread to other plants.
Tip
No danger to humans
Although the basil leaves infected by thrips can no longer be eaten, the unwelcome pest is harmless to humans. Especially in muggy weather, the little animals are almost magically attracted to the smell of human sweat and like to sting.
