What Would Eat a Tomato Plant Besides Deer

Tomatoes are a delicious and versatile fruit that are enjoyed by many people. They are also a popular plant to grow in gardens at home. Unfortunately, tomato plants can sometimes fall prey to various pests and other animals that like to nibble on them. Deer are one common culprit, but there are other creatures that might eat a tomato plant. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the other animals that might eat your tomato plants and what you can do to protect them.

Small Rodents

Small rodents like mice and rats are known to eat a variety of plants, including tomato plants. These animals can be especially damaging to tomato plants because they can burrow into the soil and eat the plant’s roots, which can kill the plant. To protect your tomato plants from small rodents, you can use garden netting or wire mesh to create a barrier around the plants. You can also try using natural deterrents like peppermint oil or garlic, which can be sprayed around the plants to help keep rodents away.

Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are other common pests that can damage tomato plants. These slimy creatures feed on the leaves and stems of tomato plants, leaving behind large holes and ragged edges. To prevent slugs and snails from eating your tomatoes, you can try spreading diatomaceous earth around the plants. This powder is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms, and it’s deadly to slugs and snails. You can also try setting beer traps around the garden to attract and drown these pests.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can also be a problem for tomato plants. These tiny creatures can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and curl up. To get rid of aphids, you can try using a natural insecticide like neem oil or insecticidal soap. These products are safe for most plants and can be effective at controlling aphids without harming beneficial insects like ladybugs or praying mantises.

Hornworms

Hornworms are large, green caterpillars that can also be a threat to tomato plants. These pests can eat the leaves, stems, and fruit of the plant, causing significant damage. To control hornworms, you can try handpicking the caterpillars off the plant and dropping them into a bucket of soapy water. You can also try using natural predators like parasitic wasps, which lay their eggs inside the hornworm and eventually kill it.

Cutworms

Cutworms are another type of caterpillar that can damage tomato plants. These pests feed on the stem of the plant, cutting it off at the soil level and killing the plant. To protect tomato plants from cutworms, you can try creating a physical barrier around the stem of the plant using a paper or cardboard collar. You can also try using natural remedies like coffee grounds or eggshells, which can deter cutworms from feeding on the plants.

Conclusion

Tomato plants can be a delicious addition to your garden, but they can also be vulnerable to pests and other animals that like to eat them. By taking steps to protect your plants from small rodents, slugs and snails, aphids, hornworms, and cutworms, you can help ensure a healthy harvest of tasty tomatoes. Whether you use natural remedies or physical barriers, there are many ways to keep your tomato plants safe from harm.