How to keep squirrels out of tomatoes. Are you wondering what to do if squirrels are eating your tomato plants? After all, squirrels rather love eating tomatoes. They even pass up unripe ones to feast on ripe red ones instead.
However, they generally leave the established tomato ‘plants’ alone in favor of the tender young leaves when they are available.
Although pesky, there are measures you can take to deter squirrels from munching on your precious or delicious tomatoes.
How to keep squirrels out of tomatoes
Controlling squirrels can be quite difficult, especially during tomato season when the little pests come down to your garden for a full-on buffet. It takes time and cares to grow and look after tomatoes.
Waking up and seeing damaged tomatoes is extremely frustrating. Take a read at the following methods and techniques on how to keep squirrels away from your tomato plants so you don’t end up in the same situation.
Consider using a natural repellent
Sprinkle coffee beans in your garden and/or tomato patch to deter squirrels. It may seem odd to sprinkle ground coffee or black pepper in your garden or tomato patch but they are both effective in scaring squirrels away.
Their strong smells irritate their noses and irritate their senses, making them naturally repellent! Another way to scare off squirrels using natural repellents is to grow mint nearby.
They will also be scared off by the minty smell because no animal wants to be around mint. Mint repels most animals, so you can plant it near your plants.
Dogs and cats can be used
Use one of the oldest tricks in folklore. A simple but effective way to stop squirrels from coming into your backyard is by repelling them with a dog, as it’s been shown that most squirrels tend to avoid dogs for obvious reasons.
There are many different kinds of dogs that can be used for this purpose including Italian greyhounds, bloodhounds, and terriers! If you happen to have cats in your yard, they are also very good at scaring away pesky rodents.
Put up physical barriers
Your tomato plants should be protected with plastic bird nets, chicken wire, or aluminum screens to prevent squirrels from eating the leaves.
Whether this method is practical depends on the size of your garden and the type of tomato plants you grow. Tomato varieties that are indeterminate, such as heirlooms, require some kind of vertical support.
If they are capable of climbing higher, the tomatoes may grow 10-12 feet tall but normally between 6-8 feet. Conversely, determinate varieties, which are typically shorter at only 5 feet, require less space to mature.
Using water and motion
There are many effective ways to prevent squirrels from eating your vegetables and fruits. One way is to scare them off with water, as mentioned above.
Another idea is to use distracting items in your gardens, such as pinwheels or old CDs, or aluminum pie tins that are hung from fishing lines.
These items work for a while but ultimately the squirrels will get used to them, especially when they begin flashing and spinning around with the wind.
That’s why the best way we’ve found for you to prevent the squirrels from eating your tomatoes over an extended period of time is to add motion-activated sprinklers that suit each portion of your garden separately .
So as not to scare away other animals like birds or deer who also live peacefully in your yard or on your property.
Spraying
Combine 5-6 oz bottle of hot pepper sauce and 1 Tbsp of mild detergent in a 1-gallon spray bottle. Make sure to shake thoroughly. Spray the mixture on the basis of your tomato plants.
Be sure to reapply at regular intervals as needed until squirrels stop raiding your tomatoes. Try not to get this solution on leaves since it can harm them before having any effect on squirrels (besides, you want to taste your tomatoes, right?).
Establish a separate hangout for squirrels with similar foods as those you entice cats to eat by putting out cat food. Place it in an isolated spot away from other deterrents or animals who might inadvertently take advantage of it instead.
You could even include some tomatoes as food for squirrels if you don’t mind risking damage (though properly ripened, unripe tomatoes are toxic). Provide water for the squirrels if possible so that they will stick around.
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