What Animal Likes Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are a popular choice for many gardeners due to their delicious fruit and versatility in the kitchen. Unfortunately, tomato plants can also fall prey to various pests, including animals. So, what animal likes tomato plants? In this article, we will explore some of the most common culprits and offer tips on how to protect your tomato plants.

Squirrels

Squirrels are a common pest in gardens, and they have a particular affinity for ripe tomatoes. They will often climb up onto plants and nibble away at the fruit, leaving it damaged and unsuitable for consumption. To prevent squirrels from eating your tomatoes, try laying down netting or covering the plants with a wire mesh cage. Alternatively, you can try placing squirrel-repelling devices around your garden, such as motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices.

Raccoons

Raccoons are another common culprit for tomato plant damage. Like squirrels, they are attracted to the sweet smell of ripe fruit and will often climb onto plants to get to it. In addition to eating the fruit, they may also dig up the roots or damage the leaves. One way to deter raccoons is by applying a hot pepper spray to the plants. Raccoons dislike the smell and taste of spicy peppers, and this may keep them away. Another solution is to install a motion-activated light or loud noise device in your garden, which will startle the raccoons and send them running.

Deer

If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, you may find that deer are the culprits behind your tomato plant damage. Deer will eat almost anything, including tomato plants, and can cause significant damage to your garden. To keep deer away, you can try spraying the plants with a scent-based deterrent or installing a physical barrier, such as a fence. Be sure to choose a fence that is tall enough to prevent deer from jumping over it.

Birds

Birds are not always interested in tomatoes, but some species, such as robins and starlings, love them. If you notice your tomato fruits have bite marks, it’s likely that birds are the culprits. To keep birds away from your tomato plants, try hanging up shiny objects, like CDs or tin foil, near the plants. You can also try using bird netting to cover the plants. However, be aware that this may also prevent pollinators from reaching the flowers, so you may need to hand-pollinate your plants if you use netting.

In Conclusion

Tomato plants can be an easy target for a variety of pests, but with some effort and experimentation, you can prevent serious damage to your garden. By learning what animals like tomato plants and taking steps to deter them, you can ensure that your plants produce a healthy and abundant harvest. Keep in mind that not all solutions will work for every garden or every pest, so be patient and persistent in finding the best ways to protect your tomato plants.