Squirrels Eating Tomatoes: A Guide to Prevention and Protection
Introduction
Squirrels are cute and playful creatures, but they can be a real nuisance when they start munching on your precious tomatoes. If you’ve ever lost a juicy tomato to a squirrel attack, you know how frustrating it can be. But don’t worry, there are many things you can do to protect your tomato plants from these furry raiders.
Signs of Squirrel Damage
The first step in protecting your tomatoes is to identify the signs of squirrel damage. Here are a few things to look for:
- Medium to large holes chewed into the side of a tomato
- Tomatoes with multiple bites taken out of them
- Small holes in your garden or nearby containers
- Damage to other plants, such as flowers or leaves
How to Protect Your Tomato Plants from Squirrels
Now that you know how to identify squirrel damage, let’s talk about how to protect your tomato plants. Here are a few effective methods:
- Build Cages: Enclosing your tomato plants in cages is one of the most effective ways to keep squirrels away. You can build cages around individual plants or around a whole bed. Make sure the cages are tall enough and have a roof to prevent squirrels from jumping in.
- Use Repellents: Repellent sprays, such as those made with chili peppers, can help keep squirrels off your tomatoes. You can choose a commercially available spray or make your own at home.
- Get a Cat or Dog: Outdoor cats and dogs are natural predators of squirrels. If you have a fenced yard, getting a cat or dog can be a great way to keep squirrels out of your garden.
- Scare Tactics: Scare tactics, such as noisemaking devices, pinwheels, and wind chimes, can also be effective in deterring squirrels. However, it’s important to note that squirrels may eventually get used to these devices, so you may need to switch them up regularly.
- Attract Birds of Prey: Birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, are natural predators of squirrels. Consider providing them with perches and nesting places to encourage them to visit your garden.
Other Options for Keeping Squirrels Out of Gardens
In addition to the methods listed above, here are a few other things you can do to keep squirrels out of your garden:
- Provide a Water Source: Squirrels seek out juicy produce to obtain water as well as food. Some gardeners have found success by placing a container of water or even a birdbath on the other side of the yard to draw squirrels away from the garden.
- Cover Bare Soil: Squirrels are attracted to bare soil, where they look for edible roots, nuts, and seeds. Keeping bare soil covered with plants or mulch will prevent them from being attracted to the area.
- Pick Tomatoes Early: If you’re worried about squirrels getting to your tomatoes, you can try picking them when they are not quite ripe. Cut off a piece of the vine with tomatoes attached, and let them continue ripening on your countertop.
Conclusion
Protecting tomatoes from squirrels can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. By following the tips in this article, you can keep your tomato plants safe and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
