[allie]

I have sweet basil growing in a planter and now the Japanese beetles are taking over! I pick them off when I see them but almost all of the leaves have holes now. Can anyone tell me how to deter them from eating my plant? They aren't bothering the Greek Oregano or Cinnamon Basil right next to it at all.

[oldschool1982]

We are plagued with these all over the area. They sure love our Crape Myrtles too. And since ours get as big as trees here we have thousands of the little buggers. I hate to say it but the only truly effective method, bug spray, will render the Basil inedible. Beetle traps do work but not 100%. Since we don't eat the trees we have on the property I use Seven tree and shrub spray. Has worked great but since you intend on usong the Basil for food, check with your local Garden center and see if a fruit and Vegetable powder will work.

[phatch]

Those are brutal critters. They have just started appearing in a small area in Utah and that whole area is getting treated by the state now. No eating from your own garden in that area for three years from the treatment they are using to kill them off before they spread.

[allie]

We have a Japanese Red Maple right beside our deck and they cover it. Those things are horrible!!

I'll look around when I go shopping this weekend and see if I can find something that is safe to use on it. We use Sevin on the tomato plants and other veggies like that, ensuring to dust several days before we'll be picking anything and washing everything really well. I didn't think it would be a good idea to use on the basil.

Thanks!!