Do Moles Eat Tomato Plant Roots?

As gardeners, we often have to deal with various pests and critters that can damage our plants. One such pest is the mole. Moles are small, burrowing mammals that are notorious for digging tunnels in lawns and gardens. But do they eat tomato plant roots?

Mole behavior and diet

Moles are insectivores. Their primary diet consists of insects and worms that live underground. They have a keen sense of smell and can detect the presence of prey in the soil. Moles are also known to occasionally eat small rodents and other small creatures they find while digging their tunnels.

However, moles are not known to eat plants or plant roots. Their diet consists mostly of insects and not vegetable matter. In fact, moles are considered beneficial in the garden because they help aerate the soil and control populations of harmful insects.

Misconceptions about moles

Despite their beneficial behavior in the garden, moles are often viewed as pests because of the tunnels they create. These tunnels can damage plant roots and cause plants to wilt or die. However, it's important to note that moles are not intentionally digging tunnels under plants to eat their roots. They are simply digging tunnels in search of food.

Another common misconception about moles is that they are rodents. While they may look similar to mice or voles, moles are actually a separate family of mammals. Unlike rodents, they have strong, spade-like front paws that are perfect for digging through soil.

Controlling mole damage in the garden

If you are experiencing damage to your plants from moles, there are several methods you can use to control their behavior without harming them. One effective method is to install a physical barrier, such as a mesh screen, around the base of your plants to prevent moles from digging too close.

You can also try using natural deterrents, such as castor oil or spicy chili pepper, to make your soil less attractive to moles. These methods may take some time to be effective, but they are much safer and more sustainable than using chemical pesticides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moles are not known to eat tomato plant roots or any other plant roots. They are beneficial creatures in the garden that help control populations of harmful insects and aerate the soil. If you are experiencing damage to your plants from moles, there are several humane and effective methods of control that you can use without harming these beneficial creatures.