Flies on basil plants?

LeadFarmer · 12 January

I grow basil cuttings indoors but always find they get some type of flies or grubs on them which eventually kill the plants. I dip the upturned plants in water/baking soda solution which helps, but they come back. I think they leave their droppings on the leaves which might block daylight?

Anyone know what they are? Photo isn't quite in focus but they are the tiny white specs on the leaves, which might be their grubs but I often see tiny flies flying amongst the leaves...

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/2g/4nem2jmev6ot.jpg

Ceres · 12 January

As they are out of focus it's not easy to tell what they are. Could be aphids but could equally be spider mite. They both produce a sticky substance which can cause mould to develop on the leaves. The flies you see could be nothing to do with the creatures on the leaves and might be fungus gnats living in the compost https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-tackle-house-plant-flies/. Whatever you have on your basil, it's a rather bad infestation.

I'd get rid of all affected leaves. I realise that might mean the end of the plant but it's easier to start from scratch and in future inspect the plants regularly and pick off any insects by hand. That way you can keep on top of the problem.

I see you had the same problem last March and in that case it was greenfly.

Once you get an infestation of one pest or another it always seems as though the job of getting rid of them is next to impossible. Hand to hand combat is the answer, much more satisfying that spraying the little *******, and you will soon see an improvement.

LeadFarmer · 12 January

Are their known flies/grubs/pests that like basil? Whitefly perhaps?

Ceres · 12 January

This has some advice and mentions whitefly. https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-basil/

Are the flies flitting about your plants all totally white?

LeadFarmer · 12 January

Thanks Ceres

I do sometimes see tiny flies, usually if the plant is disturbed or brushed against. I can't specifically say if they are white, I'll have to look more closely next time I see one. I'll try and get a clearer photo of the leaves.

I sometimes dunk the plants upside down into a jug of water/epsom salt solution which seems to clean the leaves, but eventually they return. Today I have sprayed the plants with water/baking soda solution, and underneath the leaves too.

Ceres · 12 January

I have never heard of using bicarb on plants. The fact that it doesn't seem to get rid of the insect problem suggests that it isn't working. This has a section on organic pest control for aphids. https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/organic-pest-control/

Turn your back on a plant and some vile creature will colonise it so the best way to deal with aphids is to keep an eye on your plants at all times. Out in the garden they have predators but indoors you are the only predator they will encounter.

Dovefromabove · 13 January

I deal with aphids on indoor plants (including basil) by immersing them uoside down in a weak solution of lukewarm water and washing up liquid and gently swishing them about a bit then leaving to drain.

That works for me.

I too have never heard of using bicarb.

LeadFarmer · 13 January

It may be baking powder I used.

Dovefromabove · 13 January

Not heard of that either … try a splash of Ecover or fairy liquid or whatever in a bowl of tepid water … the same dilution as you’d use for some washing up that’s slightly greasier than usual. 😊

Pete.8 · 13 January

I do the same as Dove suggests.
Only a few drops of detergent are needed in a bucketful of tepid water (you only need to break the 'surface tension' that is a characteristic of water) - ideally use shower gel or shampoo as it contains fewer harsh chemicals.
Repeat the wash every 4-5 days for a couple of weeks to break the cycle.

That said, trying to grow basil in the UK in winter is a challenge to say the least.

LeadFarmer · 13 January

Pete.8 said:

I do the same as Dove suggests.
Only a few drops of detergent are needed in a bucketful of tepid water (you only need to break the 'surface tension' that is a characteristic of water) - ideally use shower gel or shampoo as it contains fewer harsh chemicals.
Repeat the wash every 4-5 days for a couple of weeks to break the cycle.

That said, trying to grow basil in the UK in winter is a challenge to say the least.

It is difficult and I do lose a few plants each winter. I grow it purely for the bees, it’s African Blue basil that flowers all spring & summer and the bees go mad for it. However it’s sterile so no seeds to collect. The only way to keep the plants is to over winter cuttings indoors.

Flies on basil plants?

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