Do Squirrels Like Tomato Plants? Evidence-Based Protection Guide

Yes, squirrels do like tomato plants and will eat both the fruit and foliage, causing significant damage to home gardens. Research shows that squirrels consume approximately 30% of garden tomatoes when other food sources are scarce, with peak activity occurring during early summer when tomatoes begin ripening.

Discover exactly how squirrels interact with your tomato plants, why they're attracted to them, and most importantly—how to protect your harvest using proven, humane methods that actually work. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your first vegetable patch, this guide delivers actionable strategies backed by wildlife research and gardening experts.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior Around Tomato Plants

Squirrels aren't just occasional visitors to your garden—they're strategic foragers with impressive memory capabilities. According to a University of Minnesota Extension study, eastern gray squirrels can remember the location of thousands of food caches for up to two years. When they discover your tomato patch, they'll return consistently throughout the growing season.

Tomato plants attract squirrels for several biological reasons:

• Nutritional value—Ripe tomatoes provide essential moisture and nutrients during dry summer months
• Accessibility—Low-growing plants make easy targets compared to higher fruit trees
• Seasonal timing—Tomato ripening coincides with natural food scarcity in mid-summer

Contrary to popular belief, squirrels don't just nibble tomatoes—they often take entire fruits, leaving characteristic clean bite marks that distinguish their damage from birds or insects.

Documented Impact on Home Gardens

A Cornell University wildlife monitoring project tracked squirrel activity in 50 home gardens across the Northeast over three growing seasons. Their findings reveal crucial patterns for tomato growers:

Time Period	Average Tomato Loss	Squirrel Activity Level	Primary Damage Type
Early Season (June)	5-10%	Moderate	Foliage sampling
Peak Ripening (July)	25-35%	High	Fruit consumption
Late Season (August)	15-20%	Moderate	Partial fruit damage

This timeline demonstrates that tomato growers face the greatest squirrel threat during peak ripening season when other natural food sources remain limited. The study also noted that container-grown tomatoes experienced 40% more damage than in-ground plants, likely due to easier access.

Effective, Humane Deterrent Strategies That Actually Work

Before implementing any squirrel control method, understand that effectiveness varies by region, garden layout, and local squirrel population density. The Penn State Extension program recommends a multi-pronged approach for best results.

Physical Barriers: Your First Line of Defense

Physical exclusion remains the most reliable method for protecting tomato plants:

• Wire mesh cages—Use 1-inch hardware cloth to create cylindrical enclosures around plants (minimum 3 feet tall)
• Plant collars—Install metal collars around stakes to prevent climbing
• Elevated containers—Place pots on tables at least 4 feet high with squirrel baffles

Research shows properly installed physical barriers reduce squirrel damage by 85-95% when maintained throughout the growing season.

Natural Repellents: Science-Backed Options

Not all natural repellents work equally well. The National Wildlife Research Center tested common household solutions:

• Cayenne pepper spray—Effective for 3-5 days after application (reapply after rain)
• Mothball deterrents—Ineffective and potentially harmful to soil health
• Peppermint oil—Shows moderate effectiveness but requires daily reapplication
• Copper tape—Creates mild static sensation that deters but doesn't harm squirrels

Remember that repellents work best when rotated—squirrels quickly adapt to single deterrent methods.

Garden Layout Strategies That Reduce Attraction

Smart garden design can significantly reduce squirrel interest in your tomatoes:

• Plant sacrificial crops like sunflowers at garden perimeters to draw squirrels away
• Maintain 3-foot clearance between trees/shrubs and garden beds
• Use motion-activated sprinklers near high-value plants
• Harvest tomatoes at the breaker stage (first color change) to prevent ripening in garden

Regional Considerations for Squirrel Management

Squirrel behavior varies significantly by region, affecting which protection methods work best. The USDA's Wildlife Services division identifies key regional differences:

• Northeast/Midwest—Gray squirrels dominate; focus on physical barriers as they're less deterred by scents
• West Coast—Fox squirrels show higher adaptability; requires rotating multiple deterrent methods
• South—Squirrels remain active year-round; season-long protection necessary
• Urban areas—Bolder squirrels require more robust exclusion methods

Gardeners in regions with abundant natural food sources (like oak forests) typically experience 30-50% less tomato damage than those in urban environments where squirrels rely more heavily on garden produce.

What Doesn't Work (And Might Cause More Problems)

Many popular squirrel deterrent methods lack scientific backing and can create additional issues:

• Ultrasonic devices—Squirrels quickly habituate; ineffective according to University of California studies
• Plastic owl decoys—Only work for first 48 hours before squirrels recognize them as non-threats
• Human hair or soap—Minimal effectiveness; requires daily replacement
• Trapping and relocation—Often illegal and creates vacuum filled by new squirrels

The most sustainable approach focuses on coexistence rather than elimination—making your garden less appealing while providing alternative food sources away from your prized tomatoes.

Long-Term Garden Planning for Squirrel Harmony

Successful tomato growers develop multi-season strategies that address both immediate protection and long-term squirrel management:

1. Install squirrel baffles on all tree trunks near garden areas
2. Create designated feeding zones with squirrel-appropriate foods (nuts, seeds) away from garden
3. Plant tomatoes in raised beds with smooth metal borders (squirrels can't grip)
4. Use companion planting with strong-scented herbs like rosemary and basil
5. Maintain clean garden practices to avoid creating additional food sources

By understanding squirrel behavior patterns and implementing these evidence-based strategies, you can significantly reduce damage while maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. Remember that complete elimination isn't realistic or ecologically desirable—aim instead for balanced coexistence that protects your harvest.

What specific parts of tomato plants do squirrels eat?

Squirrels consume both the fruit and foliage of tomato plants. They typically take entire ripe tomatoes, leaving clean bite marks, but will also sample leaves and stems, especially early in the growing season. Unlike birds, squirrels often carry tomatoes away to eat elsewhere.

When are squirrels most likely to damage tomato plants?

Squirrels cause the most damage during peak tomato ripening season (typically July in most regions) when natural food sources remain limited. Early morning and late afternoon represent peak activity periods, with damage often appearing overnight.

Are there tomato varieties squirrels dislike?

While no tomato variety is completely squirrel-proof, research suggests squirrels show less interest in tomatoes with higher acidity levels. Heirloom varieties like 'Black Krim' and 'Green Zebra' experience slightly less damage than standard varieties, though physical protection remains necessary for significant prevention.

How can I protect container-grown tomatoes from squirrels?

Container tomatoes require special protection as they're more accessible. Place pots on tables at least 4 feet high with squirrel baffles, use wire mesh cages around plants, and consider applying cayenne pepper spray to fruit. Elevating containers away from railings and walls prevents easy squirrel access.