Do Squirrels Eat Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are one of the many fruits that squirrels like to eat.

Squirrels are omnivores and don’t mind foraging through gardens to see what edible treasures are available to them.

Squirrel eating tomato.

Coleen Ann Photography / Getty Images

Most species found in the average backyard have no problem snacking on your tomato plants.

Coleen Ann Photography / Getty Images

Want more gardening tips?

While you might invest in fencing around the entirety of your backyard, it’s not necessary.

squirrel in a garden

The Spruce / Micah Issitt and Adrienne Legault

Sectioning one area will at least protect the portion that’s most attractive to squirrels.

This can help prevent other pests from getting in, too, like birds and rabbits.

As for flowering options, marigolds, daffodils, geraniums, and lavender aren’t favorites for squirrels.

Make or Buy Squirrel Repellents

There areseveral DIY repellentsyou can make at home.

Water solutions with crushed garlic and hot pepper will deter their pesky paws and jaws.

There are plenty of humane options on the market that won’t harm them but still keep them away.

Tomatoes that drop or fall off the vine should be picked up and put into compost piles or used.

Bring in Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Sprinklers can startle squirrels and change their minds about chewing on your tomatoes.

Motion-activated sprinklers can detect when pests like squirrels are nearby and turn on for a quick burst of water.

It frightens them away but doesn’t do any long-term damage to the squirrel or your plants.

Coffee grounds can help keep squirrels away from your tomatoes.