How to Remove Pesky Gnats from an Indoor Basil Plant

Just because you grow your herbs indoors doesn't mean they are protected from pesky insects. Basil plants grown indoors can be infested with fungus gnats. Although fungus gnats pose no harm to humans or animals, they can severely damage your basil plants. Your basil plants may begin to slow down in their growth, wilt or even die. A simple insecticidal soap will get rid of the fungus gnats without harming the basil.

1 1/2 tbsp. castile soap
1 qt. water
3 drops vegetable oil
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Pour 1 1/2 tbsp. of liquid castile soap, 1 qt. of water, and 3 drops of vegetable oil in a spray bottle. The liquid castile soap will kill the fungus gnats, and is natural so it won't affect the basil when you to eat the herb.
- 2
  Shake the ingredients in the spray bottle each time you want to use it. Aim the homemade insecticidal soap at the gnats and begin spraying.
- 3
  Spray the basil plants once you are done spraying the gnats surrounding the plants so that all future gnats stay away from the basil.
- 4
  Reapply once per week to keep a new infestation from forming.

Dangerous Side Effects of Licorice Root

Uses of Motherwort

Herb Basics