Do Squirrels Eat Cherry Tomatoes

If you’re a gardener, you’ve likely looked out at your thriving tomato plants and wondered: do squirrels eat cherry tomatoes? The short, and often frustrating, answer is yes, they absolutely do. These agile creatures see your ripening fruits as a perfect, easy meal. This article will help you understand why they’re so attracted to your garden and, more importantly, how to protect your harvest with practical, effective strategies.

Squirrels are opportunistic omnivores. While nuts and seeds are their primary food, they happily eat fruits, vegetables, buds, and even insects. A ripe, sweet cherry tomato is an irresistible source of moisture and sugar for them, especially in the heat of summer. They often take a single bite from multiple tomatoes, ruining far more than they actually consume.

Why Your Garden is a Squirrel Target

Your vegetable plot is like a convenience store for local wildlife. Understanding what draws them in is the first step to deterrence.

Availability: Your plants concentrate food in one easy-to-access location.
Water Source: Juicy tomatoes provide hydration during dry spells.
Sweet Taste: The natural sugars in ripe tomatoes are highly appealing.
Habit: Once a squirrel finds a reliable food source, it will return repeatedly.

Physical Barriers: The Most Reliable Method

Creating a physical block between the squirrel and the fruit is often the most foolproof solution. It requires some initial effort but provides lasting peace of mind.

Bird Netting and Mesh

Drape bird netting over your entire tomato cage or plant. Ensure the mesh is fine (1/2 inch or less) so squirrels cannot reach through. It’s crucial to secure the netting tightly at the base to prevent them from crawling underneath. Use landscape staples or U-pins to anchor it.

Cloches and Cages

For individual plants or small plantings, consider a hardware cloth cage. Build a frame from wood or PVC and wrap it with 1/4-inch hardware cloth, securing it well. You can also use wire cloches designed for garden protection, making sure they are tall and secure enough.

Fencing Considerations

A general garden fence must be designed with squirrels in mind. Since they are excellent climbers and jumpers, a simple fence won’t work.

Use a fence that is at least 5 feet tall.
Add a outward-facing ledge or baffle at the top to prevent them from climbing over.
Bury the bottom of the fence 6-12 inches deep to stop them from digging under.

Deterrents and Repellents

These methods aim to make your garden less inviting through taste, smell, or surprise. They often work best when rotated, as squirrels can become accustomed to them.

Taste and Smell Repellents

Commercial or homemade sprays can make tomatoes taste bad. Look for products containing capsaicin (hot pepper) or garlic. You must reapply these frequently, especially after rain or watering. A simple homemade mix involves blending hot peppers with water and a drop of dish soap (to help it stick), then straining and spraying it on leaves and fruit.

Motion-Activated Devices

Squirrels startle easily. Motion-activated sprinklers, like the ScareCrow, are highly effective. When a squirrel enters the sensor’s range, it gets a sudden blast of water. Ultrasonic devices that emit a high-frequency sound can also work, though their effectiveness varies.

Distraction Planting

Sometimes, offering a more appealing food source away from your garden can help. Plant a patch of sunflowers or corn at the edge of your property. The idea is that the squirrels will be satisfied with this easier, designated food and leave your tomatoes alone. Success with this method is not guaranteed, but it’s worth a try.

Harvesting Habits to Minimize Loss

Changing your own gardening routines can significantly reduce the chances of loss.

Pick Early: Harvest cherry tomatoes when they first show color (the “breaker stage”) and let them ripen fully indoors on a windowsill. Squirrels are less interested in green fruit.
Keep it Clean: Regularly pick up any fallen or overripe tomatoes from the ground. Rotting fruit attracts all kinds of pests, including squirrels.
Remove Other Attractants: Secure compost bins and bird feeders. Spilled birdseed is a major squirrel attractant that brings them into your garden space.

What Doesn’t Work (And Saves You Time)

Gardeners try many tricks, but some common suggestions are largely ineffective against determined squirrels.

Fake Owls or Snakes: Squirrels quickly learn these are not real if they don’t move.
Shiny Objects (CDs, Pie Tins): May provide a very short-term scare but are quickly ignored.
Human Hair or Pet Fur: The scent dissipates to quickly to be a reliable deterrent.
Mothballs: These are toxic and should never be used in a food garden. They can harm soil, pets, and wildlife.

Creating a Long-Term Strategy

Rarely does one single method solve the problem forever. The most successful gardeners use a layered approach.

Start with Harvest Timing and Cleanliness: This is your easiest first step.
Install a Physical Barrier: Netting or cages provide the core protection for your prized plants.
Add a Deterrent: Use a motion-activated sprinkler or taste repellent as a supporting measure.
Be Consistent and Rotate: If using repellents or scare tactics, change them up every few weeks to prevent squirrels from getting to comfortable.

FAQ: Squirrels and Garden Troubles

Do squirrels eat green cherry tomatoes?
They prefer ripe ones, but in times of scarce food, they may nibble on green tomatoes. They are less likely to devour a whole green crop though.

Will coffee grounds keep squirrels away?
While coffee grounds are a great soil amendment, there is little consistent evidence they repel squirrels effectively as a standalone method.

How can I tell if it’s a squirrel or a bird eating my tomatoes?
Squirrels often take bites and leave the rest, or they may remove the entire fruit. Birds tend to peck holes, and their damage is usually more localized. Look for footprints or teeth marks for a clearer sign.

Are some cherry tomato varieties less attractive?
Squirrels will eat any variety, but they seem to prefer the sweeter, thinner-skinned types. They might bypass more acidic or thicker-skinned varieties if sweeter options are available nearby.

Is it worth trying to trap and relocate squirrels?
In many areas, relocating wildlife is illegal and often inhumane. It simply moves the problem to another garden and can strand the animal in unfamiliar territory. Focus on protecting your space instead.

Protecting your cherry tomatoes from squirrels requires patience and persistence. By combining a strong physical barrier like netting with smart harvesting and a rotating deterrent, you can significantly reduce pilfering and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Remember, consistency is key—once you let your guard down, those clever critters will be back to take advantage.