Controlling Aphids on Holy Basil with Homemade Organic Sprays

Identification

Tiny black immobile bugs on basil leaves are almost certainly aphids. The white specks are likely shed skins or eggs.

Three Organic Spray Recipes

1. Chili Spray

500g chilies steeped in 3L water 10–15 min. Add 30g soap as sticker. Dilute with 3L more water. Spray daily.

2. Garlic Spray

3 bulbs garlic, finely ground, mixed with kerosene, steeped 2 days. Add 1 tbsp soap powder, filter, dilute to 15–20L water. Spray daily.

3. Ginger Spray

500g crushed garlic + 10ml kerosene overnight. Separately, 100g green chilies + 50ml water + 30g liquid soap. Combine, filter, dilute 10–15ml per liter. Spray daily.

Simpler Alternative

70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray entire plant daily, covering leaf undersides. Rinse before eating.

Application Key

• Spray tops and bottoms of all leaves.
• Repeat daily until aphids are gone.
• Rinse leaves before culinary use.