Tomato plants attract a surprising range of garden visitors, from hornworms and cutworms to squirrels, deer, and birds that all find the foliage and fruit irresistible. If you have ever wondered what animals eat tomato plants, you are not alone, because this is one of the most common questions we get from home gardeners. The truth is, a tomato patch is like a buffet for many critters, and they will not hesitate to take a bite out of your hard work.
In this guide, we will break down the usual suspects, how to spot their damage, and what you can do about it. You will learn to protect your plants without harming the helpful insects or the animals that are just passing through.
Common Mammals That Eat Tomato Plants
Mammals are often the biggest culprits when it comes to missing fruit and chewed leaves. They are smart, persistent, and they will return night after night if they find a reliable food source.
Deer And Their Feeding Habits
Deer are notorious for eating tomato plants, especially in rural or suburban areas. They usually visit at dawn or dusk, and they can strip a plant in minutes.
- They prefer the tender new growth and the ripe fruit.
- Deer leave behind jagged, torn edges on leaves because they pull rather than cut cleanly.
- They often eat from the top down, leaving the lower stems bare.
If you see hoof prints or droppings near your garden, deer are likely the problem. A tall fence of at least 8 feet is the only reliable barrier, since deer can jump very high.
Squirrels And Their Tomato Snacking
Squirrels are clever and agile, and they will eat your tomatoes right off the vine. They often take a few bites out of a fruit and then move on to another, wasting more than they eat.
You might notice half-eaten tomatoes with distinct tooth marks. Squirrels also dig in the soil around the plants, looking for buried seeds or grubs. They are most active in the early morning, so you might catch them red-handed if you look out your window.
Raccoons And Nighttime Raids
Raccoons are nocturnal and will visit your garden after dark. They are very dexterous and can pull down branches to reach the fruit. They also like to knock over pots and dig in the dirt.
Raccoons leave behind messy, scattered plant debris. They might also leave muddy paw prints on nearby surfaces. Because they are strong, flimsy netting will not stop them.
Rabbits And Groundhogs
Rabbits are more of a threat to young tomato plants than to mature ones. They will chew through the stems at ground level, leaving a clean, angled cut. Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are larger and will eat entire plants, including the fruit.
Both of these animals are most active during the day, so you might see them in the garden. Rabbits prefer to stay near cover, like brush piles or tall grass, so keep your lawn mowed short.
What Animals Eat Tomato Plants: Insects And Pests
While mammals are obvious, insects are often the more destructive group. They are smaller, but they can cause massive damage in a short time if left unchecked.
The Tomato Hornworm
The tomato hornworm is a large, green caterpillar that can be very hard to spot because it blends in with the leaves. It has a distinctive horn on its rear end, which is where it gets its name.
These caterpillars can defoliate a plant in a day or two. They eat the leaves and sometimes the green fruit. Look for dark green or black droppings on the leaves and soil below, which are a clear sign of their presence.
Cutworms And Armyworms
Cutworms are the larvae of certain moths. They live in the soil and come out at night to feed. They are known for cutting young seedlings off at the base, which is a frustrating sight for any gardener.
Armyworms are similar but they tend to feed on the foliage and fruit. They can appear in large groups, moving across the garden like an army. You might see small holes in the leaves or fruit that looks like it has been scratched.
Aphids And Whiteflies
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant. They cluster on the undersides of leaves and on new growth. While they do not eat the fruit directly, they weaken the plant and can spread diseases.
Whiteflies are similar and will fly up in a cloud when you shake the plant. Both of these pests produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and lead to sooty mold.
Other Chewing Insects
Several other insects might take a bite out of your tomato plants. These include:
- Flea beetles, which leave tiny, shotgun-like holes in the leaves.
- Stink bugs, which pierce the fruit and leave cloudy, white spots underneath the skin.
- Slugs and snails, which chew irregular holes in the leaves and fruit, often leaving a slimy trail.
These pests are more common in damp, shaded areas of the garden. You can often find them hiding under mulch or plant debris during the day.
Birds And Other Unexpected Visitors
Birds are not usually the first thing you think of when it comes to tomato pests, but they can be a problem. They are attracted to the bright red color of ripe fruit.
Birds That Peck At Fruit
Robins, blue jays, and crows are common culprits. They will peck at ripe tomatoes, leaving small, deep holes. They might also pull off chunks of fruit to eat elsewhere.
Birds are more of a problem in the late summer when other natural food sources are scarce. If you have a bird bath nearby, they might be visiting your garden for a drink and a snack.
Opossums And Other Nocturnal Foragers
Opossums are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything, including your tomatoes. They are not very agile, so they usually feed on fruit that is low to the ground or that has fallen off the plant.
They leave behind messy, chewed remains. Skunks and rats can also be a problem, especially if you have a compost pile near your garden. These animals are mostly active at night, so you might not see them directly.
How To Identify The Culprit By The Damage
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what animal is doing the damage. Here is a quick guide to help you figure out who is eating your plants.
Signs Of Mammal Damage
Mammals tend to leave larger, more obvious signs. Look for tracks, droppings, and the type of bite marks.
- Deer leave jagged tears and eat from the top down.
- Rabbits leave clean, angled cuts on stems.
- Squirrels leave small, paired tooth marks on fruit.
- Raccoons leave scattered debris and knocked-over pots.
If you see large areas of the plant missing overnight, it is likely a mammal. They are also more likely to eat the fruit, while insects often go for the leaves first.
Signs Of Insect Damage
Insect damage is usually more precise. You will see holes in the leaves, chewed edges, or discolored spots on the fruit.
- Hornworms leave stripped stems and dark droppings.
- Cutworms leave a clean cut at the base of the stem.
- Aphids cause curled, yellowing leaves.
- Slugs leave a shiny, slimy trail.
Check the undersides of the leaves and the soil around the plant. You will often find the culprit hiding there during the day.
Effective Strategies To Protect Your Tomato Plants
Now that you know who the culprits are, it is time to take action. There are several ways to protect your plants, and the best approach is often a combination of methods.
Physical Barriers And Fencing
Fencing is the most reliable way to keep out larger animals like deer and rabbits. For deer, you need a fence that is at least 8 feet tall. For rabbits, a fence that is 2-3 feet tall and buried a few inches into the ground will work.
For insects, you can use row covers. These are lightweight fabrics that let in light and water but keep out pests. You will need to remove them when the plants start flowering so that bees can pollinate them.
Natural Deterrents And Repellents
There are many natural repellents that you can make at home. These work by making the plants smell or taste bad to the animals.
- Mix water with a few drops of dish soap and some hot pepper flakes. Spray this on the leaves.
- Hang bars of strong-smelling soap from stakes near the plants. This can deter deer.
- Spread human hair or pet fur around the garden. The scent can scare away some mammals.
- Use garlic or onion spray to repel insects and some mammals.
Remember to reapply these repellents after it rains, as they will wash away.
Companion Planting And Traps
Companion planting is a great way to confuse pests. Marigolds, basil, and nasturtiums are known to repel certain insects. Plant them around your tomatoes to keep the pests away.
For slugs and snails, you can set out shallow dishes of beer. The yeast attracts them, and they will drown in the liquid. For cutworms, you can place a cardboard collar around the base of each plant.
When To Take Action And When To Let It Go
It is important to remember that not all damage is a disaster. A few nibbled leaves will not hurt a mature tomato plant. You only need to take action if the damage is severe or if the fruit is being eaten.
If you see a hornworm with white cocoons on its back, do not kill it. Those cocoons are parasitic wasps that will hatch and kill the hornworm. They are a natural form of pest control.
Also, consider that birds and other animals are just trying to survive. If you have enough tomatoes for yourself, you might be able to share a few with the local wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that gardeners have about animals eating their tomato plants.
Do Squirrels Eat Tomato Plants Or Just The Fruit?
Squirrels mostly eat the fruit, but they will also nibble on the leaves if they are thirsty or hungry. They are more of a fruit thief than a foliage eater. They often take a bite out of a ripe tomato and then move on to another one.
Will Coffee Grounds Keep Animals Away From Tomato Plants?
Coffee grounds can help deter some insects and small animals because of their strong smell. However, they are not a reliable solution for larger animals like deer or raccoons. They can also add nitrogen to the soil, which is good for the plants.
What Is The Best Way To Stop Hornworms?
The best way is to inspect your plants daily and pick them off by hand. Look for their dark droppings on the leaves. You can also use a biological pesticide called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is safe for other insects and animals.
Are There Any Plants That Deter Deer From Tomatoes?
Deer tend to avoid strongly scented plants like lavender, sage, and rosemary. Planting these around your tomatoes might help, but it is not a guarantee. A hungry deer will eat almost anything if it is desperate enough.
How Do I Keep Raccoons Out Of My Garden At Night?
Raccoons are smart and strong, so you need a secure barrier. Use a sturdy fence that is at least 4 feet tall and make sure it is buried a few inches into the ground. You can also use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to scare them off.
Protecting your tomato plants from hungry animals takes a little effort, but it is worth it when you get to enjoy a fresh, homegrown tomato. Start by identifying the culprit, then choose the right strategy. With a bit of patience and persistence, you can have a healthy, productive garden that you can share with the wildlife, but only on your terms. Remember to check your plants regularly and act quickly when you see signs of damage. Your tomatoes will thank you.