What is Eating My Tomato Plants at Night?

There's nothing quite as frustrating as planting tomato plants, caring for them for weeks or even months and then waking up in the morning to find that something has chewed away at the leaves and fruit during the night. So, what could be eating your tomato plants at night? Let's investigate:

Common Culprits

One of the most common pests that eats tomato plants at night is the tomato hornworm. These large, green caterpillars can grow up to 4 inches long and can strip a tomato plant of its leaves and fruit in just a few days.

Another common culprit is the cutworm, which is actually not a worm at all but the larvae of a moth. Cutworms will curl up around the stem of the plant at night and eat away the leaves and stem. They can be particularly devastating to young seedlings.

Less Obvious Pests

While tomato hornworms and cutworms are the most obvious pests to blame for chewed up tomato plants, there are other, less obvious pests that could be causing the damage. For example, slugs and snails are notorious for munching on plant leaves and fruit at night.

Another less obvious culprit is the flea beetle. These small, black beetles will chew small holes in the leaves of a tomato plant, causing the plant to weaken and potentially die. They are particularly attracted to young seedlings.

Prevention and Control

Preventing tomato plant damage at night can be done in several ways:

Install a fence around the garden to deter larger pests such as rabbits and deer.

Use row covers to protect seedlings from cutworms and other pests.

Handpick tomato hornworms and cutworms off of plants and dispose of them.

Apply an insecticide to kill pests such as flea beetles and slugs.

It's important to note that many pesticides can be harmful to humans and other animals, so it's important to read and follow the instructions carefully. A natural alternative to chemical pesticides is to use companion planting, where you plant certain plants near your tomatoes that discourage pests.

Conclusion

While it can be frustrating to wake up to chewed up tomato plants, it's important to investigate the source of the damage and take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. By identifying common pests and taking preventative measures, you can ensure a healthy and bountiful tomato crop.