Do Squirrels Eat Tomatoes Plants

If you’re a gardener, you’ve likely looked out your window to see damaged plants and wondered, do squirrels eat tomatoes plants? The frustrating answer is yes, they absolutely do. Squirrels are notorious for nibbling on ripe tomatoes, taking bites out of the fruit, and sometimes even damaging the young plants themselves. This guide will help you understand why they do it and give you practical, proven methods to protect your precious harvest.

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders. While they prefer nuts and seeds, a juicy tomato is an easy, water-rich target in the heat of summer. They don’t just eat the fruit, though. They may dig up newly planted seedlings or chew on tender stems. Understanding this behavior is the first step to stopping it.

Why Squirrels Target Your Tomato Garden

Squirrels aren’t being malicious. They’re simply following their instincts to find food and water. A ripe tomato is a convenient source of hydration, especially during dry spells. The soft skin and flesh are easy for them to puncture with their sharp teeth.

Thirst: Tomatoes are over 90% water, making them a perfect source of liquid.
Easy Access: Tomatoes are often left to ripen on the vine, presenting an easy, stationary meal.
Curiosity and Play: Young squirrels often sample different foods, leading to one-bite damage on multiple fruits.
Hunger in Late Summer: As natural seed caches dwindle, they seek out other food sources.

Signs Squirrels Are the Culprits

It’s important to correctly identify the pest. Squirrels leave distinct evidence behind.

Half-eaten tomatoes left on the vine or dropped nearby.
Clean, sharp bite marks or chunks missing from fruits.
Small, shallow holes dug around plants or in containers.
Nibbled stems or leaves, though this is less common than fruit damage.
You may see them in the act, often during early morning or late afternoon.

Physical Barriers: The Most Effective Deterrent

Creating a physical block between the squirrel and your plants is the most reliable strategy. It requires some initial effort but pays off all season.

Fencing and Caging

Squirrels are amazing climbers and jumpers. A standard garden fence won’t stop them. You need a specialized approach.

Individual Plant Cages: Use wire mesh or hardware cloth to create cages around each plant. The mesh openings should be 1 inch or smaller.
Full Garden Enclosure: Build a frame around your garden bed and cover it completely with mesh, including the top. This is the ultimate protection.
Bird Netting Caution: Bird netting can entangle and harm squirrels and birds. If you use it, ensure it’s pulled very taut and check it regularly.

Protecting Containers and Raised Beds

Container gardens are especially vulnerable. Squirrels can easily access pots on patios and decks.

Place wire mesh over the soil surface around the base of the plant.
Use hanging baskets that are difficult for squirrels to reach from above or below.
Consider placing spiky plastic mats (sold for bird deterrents) on the soil surface.

Natural Deterrents and Repellents

These methods aim to make your garden less appealing through smell, taste, or fear. They often need frequent reapplication, especially after rain.

Homemade Spray Repellents

You can make effective sprays from common household items. Always test on a single leaf first to ensure they don’t harm your plant.

Hot Pepper Spray: Steep 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper in a quart of hot water for several hours. Strain, add a few drops of dish soap to help it stick, and spray on fruits and leaves.
Garlic and Onion Spray: Blend a few garlic cloves and a small onion with water, strain, and spray the mixture around your plants.
Vinegar Spray: A diluted solution of white vinegar and water sprayed around the garden perimeter can deter with its strong smell.

Predator Presence

Squirrels are prey animals and are wary of signs from predators.

Place fake owl or hawk decoys in the garden, moving them every few days so squirrels don’t get used to them.
Sprinkle dog or human hair around the garden beds.
Commercial predator urine granules (like coyote or fox) can be sprinkled around the perimeter.

Garden Management Strategies

Sometimes, a few simple changes to your gardening habits can make a big difference.

Provide an Alternative Food and Water Source

This is a compassionate strategy that diverts their attention. Place a squirrel feeder stocked with corn or nuts far away from your vegetable garden. Also, provide a shallow dish of water. The idea is to give them a easier, preferred option.

Harvest Tomatoes Early

Squirrels target ripe, red tomatoes. Start harvesting your tomatoes when they just begin to show color (the “breaker stage”). They will ripen fully indoors on a windowsill, safe from pests.

Keep the Area Clean

Remove any fallen or damaged fruit immediately. Rotting tomatoes attract squirrels and other pests, signaling a reliable food source.

Long-Term Solutions and Mindset

Complete eradication of squirrels is nearly impossible and often undesirable, as they are part of the local ecosystem. The goal is coexistence and damage control.

Be Persistent: Deterrents need to be reapplied and strategies rotated.
Combine Methods: Use a physical barrier with a repellent spray for the best results.
Protect Early: Don’t wait for damage to start. Implement protections as soon as fruit begins to form.

What Doesn’t Work (And What Might)

Some commonly suggested remedies have limited effectiveness. Ultrasonic devices and wind chimes rarely work for long, as squirrels quickly habituate to constant noises. Mothballs are toxic and should never be used in the garden. Some gardeners report success with sprinkling used coffee grounds or blood meal around plants, though results can vary.

FAQ: Your Tomato and Squirrel Questions Answered

Do squirrels eat green tomatoes?

They prefer ripe ones, but in times of scarcity or curiosity, they may sample green tomatoes, usually resulting in one bite before they discard it.

Will squirrels dig up tomato plants?

Yes, they might dig in the soft soil around plants looking for buried nuts or to investigate, which can disturb roots and upend young seedlings.

How can I tell if it’s a squirrel or a bird eating my tomatoes?

Birds peck small, irregular holes. Squirrels take larger, cleaner bites or chunks out of the fruit. They also often drop the half-eaten tomato.

Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away?

Some gardeners find the smell deters them, but it’s not a guaranteed solution. It’s worth a try as it adds organic matter to your soil.

What is the best fence to keep out squirrels?

A fence alone won’t work unless it has a roof. The only truly effective fence is a fully enclosed structure with a mesh top, as squirrels are excellent climbers.

Protecting your tomato plants from squirrels requires a bit of patience and experimentation. Start with a physical barrier if your garden is small, as it’s the most foolproof method. For larger plots, a combination of early harvesting, repellent sprays, and providing an alternative food source can significantly reduce damage. Remember, consistency is key. With these strategies, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and share your garden on your own terms.