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I have basil on my balcony, which I eat. However, lately the leafs have white dots or lines on them. After inspection I found out that it is caused by Aphids. Just the normal light green type.

I don't want to spray my basil with chemicals (not even soap), because I like to eat it. So I was thinking of buying larvae from ladybugs (Adalia Bipunctata). Does anyone knows if this works? Does anyone has experience with this approach?

My situation is a balcony of 1 x 6 m with many plants (palms, bonsai trees, other plants), on the first floor facing East, in the Netherlands.

benn
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1 Answers1

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The Planet Natural's website has good information about the problem. here is some information they have on the subject.

The common ladybug or lady beetle — every school kid’s favorite insect — is a great, natural solution to aphids. It’s reported that a ladybug will eat some 50 aphids a day. If you’re lucky enough to have ladybugs in your garden, their larvae will eat their weight in aphids each day. The University of Kentucky Extension Service reports that a single ladybug will eat 5,000 aphids during its lifetime. Often ladybugs will be attracted to your garden if you have aphids

Personal Experiance

My grandmother whom used to grow show roses had a massive issue with aphids and used ladybird larvae for her aphid problems and it worked very well.

She too was one that never used sprays or chemicals.

From a kid i was always brought up to never hurt (squash) a ladybugs, and when i found one id try to bring it home for her garden. (9/10 died sadly)

i remember one year she brought in ladybugs by the 1000's.

Further information that might be of use : How To Get Rid Of Aphids: 12 Organic Methods That Really Work

Anglian Bonsai
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