Have you noticed little bites taken out of your tomatoes but can’t seem to find the culprit? Or maybe you’ve seen a squirrel running around with a tomato in its mouth? If so, you can be sure that squirrels are eating your tomatoes!
Quick answer
Squirrels are attracted to tomatoes for their sweet taste. However, they’ll also eat other fruits and vegetables, including corn, peas, beans, melons, and squash.
Thus, if you have a squirrel invasion, don’t fret; there are things you can do to keep them away from your tomato plants. Read on to learn more.
Signs of Squirrel Activity
The first step in keeping squirrels away from your tomatoes is recognizing signs of their presence. Look for:
- Damaged or bitten fruit
- Teeth marks on the fruit
- Stems that have been gnawed on
- Leaves that have been chewed
- Shallow digging spots in planting beds
- Nibbled seed heads
- Partly eaten flowers
However, the best way to ensure that squirrels are eating your tomatoes is to catch them in the act! So try to keep an eye on your tomato plants throughout the day and see if you can spot a squirrel in the act.
How Much Do Squirrels Eat Per Day?
Many people think that since squirrels are small, they must eat very little. But in fact, squirrels can eat up to 1/3 of their body weight in a single day! Therefore, if you have plenty of squirrels around, they can do some severe damage to your tomato plants.
What Do Squirrels Eat Besides Tomatoes?
Squirrels are both omnivorous and opportunistic eaters, meaning they’ll eat just about anything they can get their hands on. Besides fruits and vegetables, squirrels will also eat insects, nuts, and even small animals.
What Time of Day Do Squirrels Eat?
Squirrels are most active during the daytime, and that’s when they’re most likely to be eating your tomatoes. However, they may also be active at night, so it’s essential to be vigilant all day and night.
How to Keep Squirrels Away From Tomato Plants
If you want to protect your tomatoes from the squirrels, here is what to do:
#1. Get a Dog or Cat – One of the best ways to keep squirrels away from your tomato plants is to get a dog or cat. Dogs and cats are natural predators of squirrels, so they’ll help keep them away. Besides, dog and cat hair is an excellent repellent for squirrels!
#2. Make a Homemade Squirrel Repellent – You can make your squirrel repellent at home. Just mix equal parts water and vinegar, and add a few drops of hot sauce. Spray this mixture on your tomato plants, and the squirrels will stay away.
#3. Plant Peppermint – Squirrels don’t like the smell of peppermint, so planting this herb near your tomato plants can help keep them away.
#4. Set Up a Fence – Physical barriers, like fences, can also help to keep squirrels away from your tomatoes. To keep the squirrels away entirely, ensure that the fence is a few feet tall and covered with net or wire mesh.
#5. Scare them away – Another useful tip to keep squirrels away from your tomatoes is to scare them off with loud noisemaking devices, metal tape, pinwheels, and wind chimes. However, this is only a temporary solution, as the squirrels will eventually get used to the noise.
#6. Use motion activated sprinkler – A motion-activated sprinkler is a great way to keep squirrels away from your tomato plants. The sudden burst of water will startle the squirrels, and they’ll stay away.
#7. Use a Commercial Repellent – There are commercial squirrel repellents on the market that you can use to keep squirrels away from your tomatoes. Read the labels carefully, and choose a safe repellent to use around plants and animals.
#8. Location of your garden – Another effective way to keep squirrels away from your tomatoes is to locate your garden in an area that squirrels don’t frequent.
By keeping your garden in a less squirrel-populated place or away from trees and fences, you’ll reduce the chances of them finding and eating your tomatoes.
Do squirrels eat tomatoes: Conclusion
There are different ways of getting rid of squirrels, and incorporating them into your gardening routine can be the key to success.
By following the above tips, you can keep squirrels away from your tomato plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Just remember to take action as soon as you see signs of their activity, and be persistent in your efforts.
Related Article: Does a Squirrel Eat Grass?