Hi,
My basil is in a large (half a barrel) pot outside in a sunny spot. Is there a non-poisonous way to get rid of them. We eat the basil

It would help to know what the insects are. Would you be able to post a picture of the culprits and/or their damage? Four-lined plant bugs are partial to basil and make brown dots on the leaves. If that's what they are then hand-squishing them is one method.

Thanks. I can't see anything. I'll try to post a photo.

Go out with a flashlight and check it during the night. It often could be snails or slugs. Do you see any shiny trails on the leaves?

Grow more & rinse well before eating.

It's always best to know your enemy first, but it won't hurt to give them a spray of mild soapy water solution. 1/2tsp. dish soap to a quart of water, and be sure to get up under the leaves as well as the tops. If it is slugs or snails the soap will discourage them somewhat, too.

Then of course rinse the leaves before you use them.