Basil Leaves: How to Check for Bugs

Fresh Basil is Frequently Infested. Must be checked.
Look for: aphids, thrips and leafminers.

How to check basil for bugs

1. Remove the leaves from the stem.
2. Soak the leaves in a solution of vegetable wash and water. Enough vegetable wash should be used to make the solution feel slippery and sudsy. The solution should be in a vessel that is large enough to fit the product to be checked, and to allow an individual to vigorously agitate the product.
3. Agitate the product in the solution.
4. Remove the product from the solution. Direct a stream of water at each leaf, on both sides, and rub the leaves with your fingers during the process.
   5. Check both sides of each leaf over a light source.
5. If any insects are found, repeat steps 2-5.
6. Check each leaf on both sides. If any insects are found, discard the entire bunch.