Do Squirrels Eat Tomatoes at Night?

It’s a common question among gardeners who have noticed their ripe, juicy tomatoes mysteriously disappearing overnight.

Well, the short answer is yes, squirrels do have a penchant for tomatoes, and they don’t mind feasting on them under the cover of darkness.

These cunning critters are known for their resourcefulness and ability to find food wherever they can.

So, if you’ve been struggling to protect your precious tomato plants from these nocturnal invaders, keep reading for some tips and tricks to outsmart those tomato-loving squirrels.

The Diet of Squirrels

Before we can answer whether squirrels eat tomatoes at night, it’s important to understand their overall diet. Squirrels are omnivorous creatures, which means they have a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter.

While they primarily consume nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, their dietary preferences can vary depending on the specific species and the availability of food.

The Tomato Temptation

As tomato plants produce juicy and enticing fruits, it’s no wonder that squirrels may be attracted to them. Tomatoes are not only delicious for humans, but they also contain a high water content, making them an appealing source of hydration for squirrels.

However, squirrels generally prefer other food sources over tomatoes. They have a natural instinct to search for high-energy, nutrient-dense foods to sustain their active lifestyles. Nuts, seeds, and acorns are often their go-to choices, as these foods provide them with the necessary fats and proteins for survival.

Related Post: What Keeps Squirrels Out of Tomato Plants

Factors Influencing Squirrel Behavior

While squirrels may not have tomatoes at the top of their preferred food list, there are certain factors that can influence their behavior and lead them to sample tomatoes from your garden. These factors include:

• Food scarcity: When food sources become scarce, squirrels may explore new options, including tomatoes. If their usual food supply is limited, they may resort to trying out different fruits and vegetables.
• Seasonal availability: Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, and their diet adapts to the changing seasons. In late summer and early fall, when nuts and seeds are more abundant, they may be less likely to show interest in tomatoes.
• Local environment: The presence of other food sources in the immediate environment can also impact squirrel behavior. If your garden is surrounded by an abundance of easily accessible nuts or berries, squirrels may not be as motivated to target tomatoes.
• Curious behavior: Squirrels are curious creatures and may simply be drawn to the bright colors and scent of ripe tomatoes. They might sample them out of curiosity rather than as a primary food source.

Why Would Squirrels Visit Your Garden at Night?

While squirrels are diurnal creatures, meaning they are active during the daytime, they may occasionally venture into your garden at night.

The darker hours provide them with a more secure and undisturbed environment to explore new territories, forage for food, or store their finds for later consumption.

Nighttime visits by squirrels may also be influenced by external factors such as:

• Human activity: Gardens are typically quieter at night when most people are indoors. Squirrels may take advantage of this reduced human presence to explore areas that may be harder to access during the day due to activity and noise.
• Less competition: Some squirrels might choose to forage at night to avoid competition with other squirrels or animals that are more active during the day, such as birds or larger mammals.
• Temperature and weather: In warmer months, the cooler temperatures at night may provide a more comfortable environment for squirrels to seek food without the risk of overheating.

Protecting Your Tomatoes

If you’re concerned about squirrels snacking on your tomatoes, there are several strategies you can employ to protect your garden:

Physical Barriers

Creating physical barriers is one of the most effective ways to keep squirrels away from your tomato plants. Consider using the following methods:

• Fencing: Install a wire mesh fence around your garden area or individual plants to prevent squirrels from accessing the tomatoes. Make sure the mesh openings are small enough to deter them from squeezing through.
• Netting: Cover your tomato plants with bird netting or mesh to prevent squirrels from reaching the fruits. Be sure to secure the netting tightly to eliminate any gaps that squirrels could exploit.
• Grow tomatoes in containers: Growing tomatoes in containers on elevated surfaces, such as tables or hanging baskets, can make it harder for squirrels to access them.

Related Post: Can Squirrels Eat Cherry Tomatoes

Natural Deterrents

Utilize natural deterrents to discourage squirrels from visiting your garden:

• Spices and herbs: Sprinkle cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or other strong-smelling spices around your tomato plants. Squirrels dislike these odors and may be less inclined to venture near them.
• Marigolds: Plant marigold flowers near your tomatoes. The strong aroma of marigolds can act as a natural deterrent for various pests, including squirrels.
• Predator decoys: Place decoys of predatory animals, such as owls or hawks, near your garden. The sight of these natural predators can scare squirrels away.

Harvesting Early

To avoid the risk of squirrels pilfering your ripe tomatoes, consider harvesting them slightly earlier than usual. This way, you can enjoy your garden-fresh tomatoes before the squirrels get a chance to find them.

While squirrels are generally not known for their preference for tomatoes, they may occasionally sample these juicy fruits from your garden.

Understanding the factors influencing squirrel behavior and employing protective measures can help mitigate any damage they may cause. By employing physical barriers, natural deterrents, and harvesting strategies, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor while keeping squirrels at bay.

Remember, a little bit of prevention can go a long way in maintaining the harmony between your tomatoes and the local squirrel population.

Related Post: Do Squirrels Eat Leaves

7 Ways To Keep Them OUT Of Your Garden

FAQ

Can squirrels eat tomatoes at night?

Yes, squirrels can eat tomatoes at night. Squirrels are omnivorous animals, which means they have a diet that includes both plants and animals.

Although their main diet consists of nuts, seeds, and fruits, including vegetables like tomatoes, they may also consume small insects, eggs, and even small vertebrates.

Therefore, if there are tomatoes available, squirrels may eat them both during the day and at night.

Do squirrels specifically target tomatoes in their diet?

Squirrels do not specifically target tomatoes in their diet. They have a wide range of food options and will eat whatever is available and easily accessible. While squirrels are known to enjoy the taste of various fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, they do not exclusively seek them out. Their feeding habits are influenced by availability and preference.

What attracts squirrels to tomatoes?

Squirrels are attracted to tomatoes due to their sweet and juicy taste. Tomatoes contain natural sugars that are appealing to squirrels, making them a desirable option.

The bright color of tomatoes may catch the attention of squirrels, prompting them to investigate and potentially consume the fruit.

Do squirrels cause harm to tomato plants when eating tomatoes?

Squirrels may cause damage to tomato plants when eating tomatoes. They can bite into tomatoes, leaving visible marks and causing them to spoil more quickly.

Squirrels might also be interested in the plants themselves, potentially digging or uprooting them while searching for food or creating nests. Taking preventive measures, such as using fences or netting to protect tomato plants, can help minimize any damage caused by squirrels.

How can I protect my tomatoes from squirrels at night?

To protect your tomatoes from squirrels at night, you can try various methods. One effective approach is to install a physical barrier, such as a wire mesh or netting, around the tomato plants.

This barrier should be tall enough and properly secured to prevent squirrels from accessing the plants. Additionally, removing fallen or rotting tomatoes regularly can help reduce the attraction for squirrels, as well as removing any other potential food sources nearby.

Are there any natural deterrents I can use to keep squirrels away from my tomatoes at night?

Yes, there are natural deterrents you can use to keep squirrels away from your tomatoes at night. Some popular options include sprinkling cayenne pepper or chili powder around the plants, as squirrels dislike the strong smell and taste.

Another natural deterrent is planting repellent plants like marigolds or mint around your tomato garden. Placing mothballs or scattering coffee grounds near the plants may help deter squirrels.

It’s important to note that these methods may not work for all squirrels, so further experimentation might be required.

Squirrels are known to have a diverse diet, and tomatoes can be an appealing treat for them. While squirrels are primarily active during the day, it is not uncommon for them to forage at night as well.

It is possible that squirrels may eat tomatoes at night if they have access to them. However, their preference and behavior may vary depending on factors such as food availability and competition.