How do I stop pests from chewing my balcony basil, Gemini?

[Eric.B]

My basil plant keeps getting eaten by something || I'm growing basil on my balcony and something is eating all the leaves. There are little holes and chunks missing but I never see any bugs on it, not even caterpillars. I tried spraying it with a little soapy water but it didn't help. It's so frustrating because I just want to make pesto. Maybe it's birds or slugs? I need a better way to protect it.

[Aaron_S]

That stinks. First check who is nibbling by watching at dawn or dusk and inspecting the undersides for pests. Look for slugs snails or caterpillars and note what you find.

[EvelynWD]

Protect it with simple tricks like copper tape around the pot to deter slugs and beer traps for snails plus hand picking pests you see. For sprays use insecticidal soap or neem oil and test first.