Do Iguanas Eat Tomato Plants?

Iguanas are known herbivores and primarily feed on plants, including flowers, fruits, and leaves. They especially enjoy fruits such as figs, mangoes, and guavas. However, when it comes to tomato plants, do iguanas eat them? The answer is a bit complicated as it depends on various factors.

The Factors

One factor that determines whether iguanas will munch on tomato plants is the age and size of the plant. Young and small plants are at a higher risk of being eaten by iguanas as they are tender and easier to chew. Mature and larger tomato plants have thicker stems, making it hard for them to be eaten by iguanas.

Another factor that comes into play is the abundance of other food sources for the iguanas. If there is a shortage of their usual preferred food sources, iguanas may resort to eating tomato plants. Similarly, if there is a large population of iguanas and limited vegetation in the area, the iguanas may turn to tomato plants to quench their hunger.

Signs of Iguana Damage on Tomato Plants

It can be hard to tell whether iguanas are eating your tomato plants, but there are some signs to look out for. One of the evident signs is the missing fruit or leaves on your tomato plants. Also, you may spot bite marks or uneven edges on the tomato leaves that are indicative of iguana damage. Their droppings may also be present around the plants- the droppings are cone-shaped and contain digested plant material.

How to Keep Iguanas Away from Tomato Plants

Iguanas may cause significant damage to tomato plants if not prevented. The following are some tips on keeping iguanas away from tomato plants.

1. Physical Barrier - Use a physical barrier such as a fence to prevent iguanas from entering your garden. Ensure that the barrier is dug at least a foot deep in the ground and extends at least six feet high. This prevents the iguanas from burrowing or jumping over.

2. Plant Repellents - There are several natural plant repellents such as garlic and hot pepper spray that can be sprayed on tomato plants to keep iguanas away. These repellents are natural and harmless to both the plants and iguanas.

3. Artificial Repellents - Ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds can be used to scare away iguanas. Similarly, visual repellents such as replicas of iguanas or plastic snakes can also prove effective.

Conclusion

Iguanas feed primarily on vegetation, and tomato plants are not an exception. The factors that determine whether iguanas will eat tomato plants include the age and size of the plant, and the availability of their preferred food sources. Signs of iguana damage on tomato plants include missing fruit or leaves, bite marks, and their droppings around the plants. To prevent iguanas from feeding on your tomato plants, use physical barriers or natural and artificial repellents.