Introduction

If you're a gardener, you know how challenging it can be to keep pests away from your plants. One common pest that many gardeners are concerned with are voles. These small rodents are often known for their love of burrowing underground, but will they eat your tomato plants?

What are Voles?

Before we answer the question of whether voles will eat tomato plants, it's essential to understand what voles are. Voles are small rodents that are often mistaken for mice. They are generally between 5 and 8 inches long, and their fur can vary in color from brown to grey. These rodents are primarily found in fields, forests, and grasslands, where they create a series of underground burrows and tunnels for protection.

What do Voles Eat?

Now that we know what voles are let's take a look at their diet. Voles are omnivores, which means they will eat both plants and insects. Their diet typically consists of seeds, nuts, roots, and bark, but they will also eat insects, snails, and small animals if they are hungry enough. This means that voles may be attracted to the tender leaves and stems of your tomato plants if they are not finding enough food elsewhere.

The Signs of Vole Damage on Tomato Plants

If you're concerned that voles are eating your tomato plants, there are a few signs you can look for. First, you'll notice small holes in the ground around your plants. These are the entrances to the vole's burrow system. Additionally, you may notice that the base of your tomato plants is significantly chewed or gnawed, and the leaves and stems may have been partially or fully eaten. If you see these signs, it's likely that voles are the cause of the damage.

How to Prevent Voles from Eating Your Tomato Plants

Like any pest, it's best to prevent voles from getting to your tomato plants in the first place. One way to do this is to create a physical barrier around your plants. You can use mesh wire or hardware cloth to create a fence around your garden to keep voles out. Additionally, stock your garden with natural vole predators like cats, snakes, and owls. Finally, consider planting a range of plants in your garden, including those that voles typically avoid, like daffodils, alliums, and fritillarias. By doing this, you create a more diverse ecosystem that is less attractive to voles.

Conclusion

So, will voles eat tomato plants? The answer is that they might. However, by taking preventative measures to keep voles out of your garden, you can avoid any potential damage to your tomato plants. With a bit of effort and some careful planning, you can enjoy healthy and delicious tomato plants all season long.