What Animal Eats Tomato Plant Leaves?

Tomato plants are a favorite among gardeners and farmers, but unfortunately, they are also a favorite among many animals. Tomato plant leaves, in particular, are vulnerable to being eaten by a variety of different creatures. In this article, we will explore which animals are most likely to eat tomato plant leaves and how to prevent and control their damage.

Rabbits

Rabbits are notorious for being voracious eaters and can cause significant damage to gardens and crops. Unfortunately, tomato plant leaves are no exception. Rabbits are attracted to the tender, young leaves of tomato plants, and they can quickly devour them. If you suspect that rabbits are eating your tomato plant leaves, you can use physical barriers like fencing or netting to keep them out of your garden. Additionally, you can try sprinkling hot pepper flakes around the base of your tomato plants to deter rabbits.

Deer

Deer are another common culprit when it comes to eating tomato plant leaves. Like rabbits, deer are attracted to the tender, new growth of tomato plants, and they can quickly strip a plant of its leaves. To keep deer out of your garden, consider putting up a tall fence or installing motion-activated sprinklers that will startle and deter them.

Slugs and Snails

While rabbits and deer are larger animals that can cause significant damage quickly, smaller creatures like slugs and snails can also eat tomato plant leaves. These creatures are attracted to young, tender leaves and can leave behind holes and slime trails. To protect your tomato plants from slugs and snails, you can put out shallow dishes filled with beer, which will attract and drown these pests. Additionally, diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic substance that you can spread around your plants to deter slugs and snails.

Tomato Hornworms

Tomato hornworms are a type of caterpillar that can eat their way through an entire tomato plant in a matter of days. These pests are especially attracted to the leaves of a tomato plant, but they will also eat fruit and stems if they get the chance. To control tomato hornworms, you can handpick them off your plants or spray them with an insecticide. Additionally, encouraging natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps can help control hornworm populations.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can quickly multiply and infest a tomato plant. While they primarily feed on the stems and leaves of a plant, they can also feed on the fruit in some cases. If you suspect that your tomato plants are infested with aphids, you can try spraying them off with a powerful stream of water or using an insecticide specifically designed to kill aphids.

Conclusion

While tomato plants can be vulnerable to a variety of different pests, there are steps you can take to protect them. From physical barriers and natural predators to insecticides and repellents, there are a variety of options for controlling and preventing damage to your tomato plant leaves. By understanding which animals are most likely to eat tomato plant leaves and how to control them, you can keep your plants healthy and thriving year after year.