Introduction
Tomato plants are a great source of nutrition for many herbivorous animals. However, there are also some animals that might find the plant’s fruits and leaves delicious. This article will discuss what kind of animals eat tomato plants.
Rabbits
Rabbits love vegetables, and unfortunately, tomato plants are no exception. These pesky little creatures will nibble on anything they can get their teeth on, including tomato plants. They are particularly attracted to the leaves and fruit of the plant, and can quickly munch their way through an entire crop if left unchecked.
Deer
If you live in an area where deer are common, you might have noticed that your or your neighbor’s tomato plants have been damaged or destroyed. Deer are known to eat a variety of plants, including tomatoes. They will often come into gardens in search of food, and can quickly destroy a crop if not deterred.
Squirrels
Squirrels are another common animal that will eat tomato plants. They are particularly fond of the plant’s fruit, and will often climb up tomato plants to get to it. Squirrels are also known to dig up and eat tomato bulbs, so it’s important to protect your tomato plants from squirrels if you want to keep them safe.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are another type of animal that will eat tomato plants. They are particularly fond of the leaves of the plant, and can quickly defoliate an entire plant if left unchecked. Caterpillars can be particularly destructive if they are the larvae of the tomato hornworm, which can grow up to 4 inches long and do a lot of damage to a plant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of animals that will eat tomato plants. From rabbits to squirrels to caterpillars, it’s important to take steps to protect your plants if you want to keep them safe. Whether it’s fencing to keep out deer, or insecticides to keep away caterpillars, there are a variety of strategies you can use to protect your crop and keep it healthy.