What eats basil and what are these shiny black beetles on my poor grapes?
The Beetles are most likely japanese beetles. You can use something called Sevin Dust to sprinkle on the plants. It will take care of the beetle problem and you can eat your veggies or fruit in a few days after application…just read the bag directions for exact length of days before eating. Japanese beetles are a real pain and can defoliate a plant in no time. I provided a picture of a japanese beetle. They are blackish brown with a green sheen to them and about the size you described.
