Plant guide:🌿 Basil
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⚠ ModerateA cloud of tiny white insects disturbed from the underside of basil leaves � a classic whitefly infestation sign.
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Pests
Whiteflies on Basil
Commonly affects: Ocimum basilicum (Basil)
Tiny white, moth-like insects fly up in a small cloud when the plant is disturbed, and can be found clustered on the underside of leaves. Affected foliage may develop sticky honeydew residue and a general lack of vigour.
Potential Causes
- 1Warm, humid conditions, especially in greenhouses or indoor growing setups
- 2Introduction from a nearby infested plant
- 3Overcrowded plantings providing ideal breeding conditions
Solution Steps
- 1Use yellow sticky traps near the plant to catch and monitor adult whitefly populations.
- 2Spray the underside of leaves thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 5�7 days.
- 3Isolate heavily infested plants from other herbs and vegetables to prevent further spread.
- 4Improve airflow around the plant, since whiteflies thrive in still, humid conditions.
Prevention Tip
Inspect the underside of leaves regularly, especially on indoor or greenhouse-grown basil, since whiteflies can build up unnoticed until populations are already significant.
