Question
Hi Elyse -
For the last two years my basil starts off great then I start seeing leaves being eaten so much I can't use the plant.  There are black bugs possibly a beatle with an iridescent back.  This year that same nasty bug invaded my hybiscus plants.
I sprayed both plants with soap water which the bugs did not like.  My neighbor does not have this problem.  Any suggestions???
Thanks
Pat

Answer
Pat:
It probably is a beetle of some kind, but I cannot tell you what from your limited description. It is very unusual for any insect to attack herbs. You could try covering the plants with row cover. Wood ashes might also help repel the beetles. If you can avoid planting the basil in the same place again next year, you may lessen the problem. Cultivate the area where it grew this year in the fall and the spring to turn up any grubs.

Elyse