Natural Sprays for Bugs on Basil

BT Worm Spray

• Bacillus thuringiensis, also called BT for short, is a natural microbial infectant of caterpillars that chew on basil and other plant leaves. It is available in garden centers as a dust or a spray that can be applied to the entire plant. BT is harmless to humans and really any other creature but caterpillars; caterpillars are the only creatures with proper alkaline conditions in the stomach that BT needs to survive and procreate.

Herb Sprays

• Most herb insect sprays are used as repellents rather than insecticides for basil insect pests. Aphids tend to avoid garlic sprays, while researchers from Kentucky State University showed that hot peppers are somewhat fatal but repellent to spider mites. Many gardeners make homemade herb sprays with a wide range of repellent herbs such as rosemary, mint and the aforementioned garlic and hot peppers, then spray their basil or other insect-magnets on a regular basis to keep pesky insects at bay.

Oil Sprays

• Oil sprays contain neem or other naturally occurring oils designed to smother hard-bodied insects such as scale and mealy bugs. While these pests aren't as common to basil as soft-bodied insects, they can still attack. Oil sprays must be used with care, however, since high temperatures in conjunction with oil sprays will cause damage to basil leaves.

Considerations

• If your spray bottle can produce a jet of water with enough pressure to knock off spider mites or aphids, this is the most natural way to get rid of them. On the other end of the spectrum, while soap sprays aren't technically "natural," they are excellent for pest control and can be used safely on basil plants. The soap desiccates soft-bodied insects such as spider mites and aphids. Check the label for the soap spray for recommended time to wait before harvesting -- not all soap sprays have the same ingredients. Rinse the basil thoroughly after the soap has done its work.