What Animals Eat Tomato Plants? Full List & Solutions

By Lisa Park · May 7, 2025

Several animals eat tomato plants, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds, and various insects like tomato hornworms and aphids. These pests and wildlife primarily target leaves, stems, fruits, or roots, causing significant damage to home gardens and commercial crops.

Common Animals That Feed on Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are vulnerable to a wide range of animal feeders, from large mammals to tiny insects. Identifying the culprit is key to effective control and prevention.

Mammals That Eat Tomato Plants

Deer: Browse on leaves, stems, and green or ripe fruit, especially in early morning or evening.
Rabbits: Prefer young seedlings and tender lower leaves; can destroy plants overnight.
Squirrels: Chew through stems and rip into ripe tomatoes for moisture and nutrients.
Rats and Mice: Often gnaw on ripe or overripe fruit that touches the ground.

Birds Targeting Tomato Crops

Birds (e.g., crows, sparrows, starlings): Peck at ripe tomatoes, creating entry points for disease.
Damaged fruit often shows small, precise holes and may be partially consumed.

Insect Pests Damaging Tomato Plants

Tomato Hornworms: Large green caterpillars that defoliate plants rapidly.
Aphids: Suck sap from leaves and stems, spreading viruses.
Spider Mites: Cause stippling and webbing on foliage under hot, dry conditions.
Flea Beetles: Create 'shot-hole' damage on young leaves.

Signs of Animal Damage on Tomato Plants

Different animals leave distinct signs. Recognizing these helps in choosing the right deterrent.

Animal	Signs of Damage	Target Plant Part
Deer	Ragged edges on stems and leaves	Leaves, stems, fruit
Rabbits	Clean-cut stems near ground level	Seedlings, lower leaves
Squirrels	Chewed stems, half-eaten fruit	Fruit, stems
Birds	Small pecks or holes in ripe fruit	Fruit
Tomato Hornworm	Defoliation, black droppings (frass)	Leaves, fruit

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights how each animal causes unique damage patterns. For example, deer leave torn edges due to their lack of upper incisors, while rabbits make clean cuts with their sharp teeth. Insect damage often includes frass or fine stippling, distinguishing it from mammal feeding.

Prevention and Control Strategies

Protecting tomato plants requires a combination of physical, biological, and cultural methods tailored to the specific pest.

Physical Barriers

Install 8-foot fencing to deter deer.
Use wire mesh cages (1-inch or smaller) around plants to stop rabbits and squirrels.
Cover plants with bird netting when fruit begins to ripen.

Organic and Chemical Controls

Hand-pick hornworms or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
Apply insecticidal soap for aphids and spider mites.
Use repellents containing putrescent egg solids or capsaicin for mammals.

Cultural Practices

Elevate fruit with cages or mulch to prevent ground access by rodents.
Plant strong-smelling companions like basil or marigolds to repel certain insects.
Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly to reduce attraction.

FAQs About What Animals Eat Tomato Plants

What animal is eating my tomato plant at night?

Raccoons, deer, and nocturnal rodents like rats are common nighttime feeders. Check for tracks or droppings. Raccoons leave hand-like prints, while deer leave hoof marks.

Do squirrels eat tomato plants?

Yes, squirrels chew through stems and eat ripe tomatoes for hydration and nutrition. They’re particularly active in urban and suburban gardens.

Why are my tomato leaves disappearing?

Disappearing leaves are typically caused by tomato hornworms or deer. Inspect plants at dusk or dawn, or look for black droppings underneath leaves.

Can birds damage tomato plants?

Yes, birds like crows and starlings peck at ripening fruit, making them unsightly and prone to rot. Bird netting is the most effective prevention.

How do I stop animals from eating my tomatoes naturally?

Use natural deterrents like garlic-pepper sprays, install physical barriers, encourage beneficial predators (like birds of prey), and harvest early to reduce temptation.