Bernie, 

Thank you for your question!

I believe your basil may be pestered by fungus gnats, scavengers who live in damp soil and feed on decaying roots. Try repotting with fresh soil in a clean container after washing soil off the plant roots, and using sticky traps to catch the adults. The traps will catch the adults and the new soil will take care of the larvae. 

Here's more information on fungus gnats: https://extension.umn.edu/product-and-houseplant-pests/insects-indoor-plants#fungus-gnats-1581116. The same page has information on nonchemical pest management, which is ideal for edible plants. 

In the meantime, it is not harmful to you to eat the basil, though harvesting may cause additional stress for the plant.

Good luck!

Hi Bernie, 

Great questions! 

Vinegar and homemade sticky paper can help attract the adults. I've personally had good success with apple cider vinegar or a sweet smelling liquor. It's important to get all the adults, as they will just lay more larvae in the soil if you don't. 

In terms of the cinnamon treating the larvae, there is no research that supports that solution. The best option will be to replant the basil and rinse the roots to remove all the old soil (and larvae).

Amy