Will Gophers Die from Eating Tomato Plants?

Gophers are small burrowing rodents that are known to be voracious feeders. If you have a garden, you must have already experienced their love for the fresh vegetables and fruits you grow. Tomatoes are one of the vegetables that these pesky little creatures love to feast on. The question is, will gophers die from eating tomato plants?

Gophers and Tomato Plants

Gophers are known to chew on the stems and roots of tomato plants. They also eat the fruits when they become ripe. While the damage to tomato plants from gophers could be severe, it is unlikely that these rodents will die from eating them alone. Gophers have a widespread diet that includes many types of vegetation and insects that they can feed on for survival.

What Attracts Gophers to Tomato Plants?

Gophers are attracted to tomato plants for several reasons. The succulent fruits and stems of tomato plants are an easy and convenient meal for these rodents. Also, gophers love to dig burrows near tomato plants so that they can access the roots for water and nutrients, making these plants prime targets for gopher feeding.

The Effects of Gopher Damage on Tomato Plants

Gophers can cause significant damage to tomato plants, rendering them unable to produce fruit or grow. Gophers chew on the plants' roots, cutting off their supply of water and nutrients. As a result, the plants become weak and eventually die. Gopher damage can also make a plant more susceptible to disease and other pests as it struggles to survive.

Preventing Gopher Damage to Tomato Plants

Preventing gopher damage on tomato plants is the best way to protect your garden from these rodents. One way to do this is to plant your tomato plants in raised beds, making it difficult for gophers to burrow through. You can also use wire mesh or hardware cloth to line the bottom of the bed to keep gophers from entering. Another option is to plant gopher-repellent plants around your tomato plants, like castor beans or daffodils.

Gopher traps and baits can also be used to control the population of these rodents. These methods, however, can be dangerous and harmful to other wildlife, so it is essential to use them carefully and responsibly. Consulting with a pest control professional could be a safer and more effective option for preventing gopher damage to tomato plants.

The Bottom Line

Gophers are a pest that can cause significant damage to tomato plants. While it is unlikely that gophers will die from eating tomato plants, it is still essential to prevent them from feeding on your vegetables to preserve their health and ensure a bountiful harvest. By taking the necessary measures, you can protect your tomato plants and your garden from these pesky rodents.