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

By Rachel Green · February 13, 2025

Yes, raccoons do eat tomato plants. These nocturnal omnivores are attracted to ripe tomatoes and can cause significant damage to garden crops by feeding on both the fruit and foliage. Understanding their behavior and implementing effective deterrents is essential for protecting your tomato harvest.

Why Raccoons Are Attracted to Tomato Plants

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are intelligent, adaptable animals commonly found in urban, suburban, and rural areas across North America. Their diet is highly varied, but they show a particular preference for sweet, ripe fruits—including tomatoes.

Key Factors That Draw Raccoons to Gardens

Sweetness of ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes emit sugars and aromas that appeal to raccoons' taste preferences.
Easy access: Low-growing tomato plants in home gardens are easily reachable.
Water content: Tomatoes provide hydration, making them especially attractive during dry seasons.
Nocturnal feeding habits: Raccoons forage at night, often leaving gardeners unaware until damage is visible.

Signs of Raccoon Activity in Your Garden

Identifying raccoon presence early can prevent extensive crop loss. Look for these telltale signs:

Partially eaten tomatoes with clean bite marks
Knocked-over stakes or disturbed soil around plant bases
Footprints resembling small human hands (hind feet with five toes)
Nighttime noises near your garden, such as rustling or scratching
Scat near or under plants, sometimes containing tomato seeds

How Much Damage Can Raccoons Cause?

Beyond consuming ripe fruit, raccoons may trample plants while climbing or walking through garden beds. They often take one or two bites from multiple tomatoes, leading to spoilage and wasted yield.

Region	% of Gardeners Reporting Raccoon Damage	Average Crop Loss (Tomatoes)	Peak Season
Mideast (PA, NY, NJ)	68%	40%	July–September
Great Lakes (MI, OH, IN)	72%	45%	August–October
Pacific Northwest (WA, OR)	54%	30%	August–September
South Atlantic (FL, GA, SC)	41%	25%	June–August
Mountain West (CO, UT)	38%	20%	July–September

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that raccoon-related crop damage is most prevalent in the northeastern and midwestern U.S., where population densities are high and backyard gardening is common. On average, affected gardeners lose up to 45% of their tomato yield annually due to raccoon activity, peaking during late summer when tomatoes ripen and natural food sources become competitive.

Effective Ways to Protect Tomato Plants from Raccoons

Prevention is key when managing raccoon interactions. Consider these proven strategies:

Physical Barriers

Fencing: Install 3–4 foot tall chicken wire or mesh fencing buried 6 inches underground to prevent digging.
Cages: Use sturdy tomato cages covered with netting to shield individual plants.

Sensory Deterrents

Motion-activated lights or sprinklers: Startle raccoons and discourage nightly visits.
Strong scents: Ammonia-soaked rags or predator urine sprays may repel raccoons temporarily.

Habitat Modification

Remove attractants like pet food, open compost bins, or fallen fruit.
Trim overhanging tree branches that provide access to rooftops or gardens.

Harvest Early

Pick tomatoes just before full ripeness and allow them to ripen indoors. This reduces scent attraction and minimizes exposure during peak vulnerability.

Common Questions About Raccoons and Tomato Plants

Do raccoons only eat ripe tomatoes?

Raccoons prefer ripe, sweet tomatoes but may sample unripe ones out of curiosity or hunger. However, significant feeding typically occurs when fruit reaches full color and softness.

Are tomato plants completely destroyed after raccoon feeding?

Not always. While raccoons can destroy fruit, the plant itself often survives unless heavily trampled. Prune damaged parts and support recovery with proper watering and nutrients.

Can I use repellents to keep raccoons away from my tomatoes?

Commercial repellents containing capsaicin (hot pepper) or putrescent egg solids can be effective but require frequent reapplication, especially after rain. Always follow label instructions for edible crops.

Are there tomato varieties that resist raccoon feeding?

No tomato variety is truly raccoon-resistant, but smaller cherry or paste tomatoes may be less appealing than large, juicy slicing types. Physical protection remains more reliable than cultivar selection.

Is it legal to trap or remove raccoons?

Laws vary by state, but raccoons are often protected wildlife. Trapping may require permits, and relocation is prohibited in many areas. Consult local wildlife authorities before taking action.