Do Chipmunks Eat Tomato Plants? Yes – Here's How to Stop Them

By Michael Rodriguez · March 11, 2026

Yes, chipmunks do eat tomato plants. These small rodents are known to feed on various parts of the plant, including ripe and green tomatoes, leaves, and stems, especially when other food sources are scarce.

Understanding Chipmunk Behavior Around Tomato Plants

Chipmunks (genus Tamias) are omnivorous creatures primarily feeding on seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. However, they are opportunistic foragers and will consume garden vegetables when available. Tomato plants are particularly vulnerable during fruiting stages, as the juicy, nutrient-rich tomatoes attract not only chipmunks but also other wildlife.

Why Chipmunks Target Tomato Plants

Accessibility: Low-growing tomato plants are easy for chipmunks to reach.
Nutritional value: Tomatoes provide moisture and carbohydrates.
Seasonal availability: Peak tomato ripening coincides with active chipmunk foraging periods in summer and early fall.
Lack of natural predators in urban gardens: Reduced threat encourages bolder feeding behavior.

Signs Your Tomato Plants Are Being Eaten by Chipmunks

Distinguishing chipmunk damage from that caused by squirrels, birds, or rabbits is crucial for effective pest management. Look for these indicators:

Small, clean bites taken from the side or bottom of tomatoes.
Shallow burrows near garden beds—chipmunks often nest close to food sources.
Presence of cheek pouch marks or tiny paw prints around the base of plants.
Fruit missing entirely or partially dragged away.

Chipmunk Diet vs. Other Garden Pests

While chipmunks share dietary overlap with other common garden pests, their feeding habits differ significantly in frequency and preference.

Pest	Feeds on Tomatoes?	Preferred Plant Parts	Typical Damage Pattern	Activity Period
Chipmunk	Yes	Fruit, leaves, stems	Neat bite marks; partial consumption	Daytime
Squirrel	Yes	Fruit, seeds	Large chunks removed; whole fruits taken	Daytime
Rabbit	Occasionally	Leaves, young stems	Cleanly clipped foliage at 45-degree angle	Dawn/dusk
Deer	Rarely	Foliage, flowers	Ragged edges; widespread defoliation	Dawn/dusk/night
Birds (e.g., robins)	Yes	Fruit surface	Peck marks; shallow holes	Daytime

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table shows that chipmunks are among the most frequent daytime feeders on tomato fruits, with distinct partial-eating behavior. Unlike deer or rabbits, which primarily target foliage, chipmunks show a clear preference for ripe or ripening fruit, similar to squirrels but with less destructive force.

Effective Methods to Protect Tomato Plants from Chipmunks

Preventing chipmunk damage requires a combination of physical barriers, deterrents, and habitat modification.

Physical Barriers

Install fine-mesh wire fencing (1/4 inch) buried 6 inches underground to prevent tunneling.
Use individual plant cages with hardware cloth around each tomato plant.
Cover plants with bird netting during fruit ripening.

Natural and Chemical Deterrents

Apply taste repellents containing capsaicin (hot pepper extract).
Use scent-based deterrents like predator urine (e.g., fox or coyote).
Plant aromatic herbs such as basil, mint, or marigolds nearby to mask tomato scent.

Habitat Modification

Remove brush piles, rocks, and wood stacks near the garden—common nesting sites.
Keep fallen fruit and seeds cleaned up to reduce food availability.
Limit access to water sources like birdbaths or leaky faucets.

Common Questions About Chipmunks and Tomato Plants

Do chipmunks only eat ripe tomatoes?

No, chipmunks may eat both green and ripe tomatoes. While they prefer sweeter, softer ripe ones, unripe tomatoes are still consumed, especially when preferred foods are unavailable.

Can chipmunks damage tomato plants beyond eating the fruit?

Yes. In addition to fruit consumption, chipmunks may gnaw on stems and leaves. Their burrowing activity near plant roots can disrupt soil stability and damage root systems, potentially killing young plants.

Are chipmunks protected by law?

In most U.S. states, chipmunks are classified as nongame animals, meaning limited protection is offered. Homeowners may legally deter or remove them using humane methods, though trapping and relocation may require permits. Always check local wildlife regulations before taking action.

What time of day are chipmunks most likely to eat tomato plants?

Chipmunks are diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight hours, especially in the morning and late afternoon. This is when you're most likely to observe them feeding on tomato plants.

Will ultrasonic repellents keep chipmunks away from tomato plants?

Evidence on ultrasonic devices is mixed. While some users report success, scientific studies show limited long-term effectiveness. Chipmunks often habituate to sound-based deterrents quickly. These devices work best when combined with physical barriers and habitat changes.