Ruqayyah Snyder
Growing tomatoes can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating when animals eat them before you get a chance to enjoy your harvest. In Australia, there are several animals that may be responsible for eating your tomatoes, including birds, possums, rats, rabbits, squirrels, and even livestock. To protect your tomatoes from these pests, you can try various methods such as using bird netting, cages, or repellents, as well as planting near your house or in well-travelled areas. Let's explore the measures Australian gardeners employ to safeguard their precious tomato crops from these hungry intruders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animals that eat tomatoes in Australia | Rats, possums, parrots, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons, deer, birds, goats, moles, voles, groundhogs |
| Pest insects | Aphids, hornworms, thrips |
| Pest prevention methods | Bird netting, cages, fences, raised beds, wire mesh, motion lights, animal deterrent sprays, human/pet hair, deodorant soap bars, pepper spray, fake owls, shiny objects, commercial deterrents |
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What You'll Learn
Rats, squirrels, and possums
Rats
Rats are a common problem for tomato growers, and they can be challenging to stop. Here are some strategies to protect your tomatoes from rats:
- Use traps: Set up traps specifically designed for rats, such as wooden snap traps. Be cautious if using poison bait, as it could also harm pets.
- Exclusion methods: Construct a physical barrier, such as a frame covered with hardware cloth or metal window screen, to prevent rats from accessing your tomato plants.
- Alternative food sources: Offer rats alternative food sources, such as black oil sunflower seeds, to distract them from your tomatoes.
- Harvest early: Pick your tomatoes before they are fully ripe, as ripe tomatoes are more attractive to rats and other critters.
Squirrels
Squirrels are another pest that enjoys feasting on tomatoes. To protect your tomatoes from squirrels, consider the following methods:
- Deterrent plants: Plant onions, nasturtiums, lavender, basil, and mint around your tomato patch. Squirrels typically dislike the smell of these plants.
- Spicy deterrents: Sprinkle spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder around your garden to deter squirrels.
- Decoy predators: Place animal lawn ornaments, such as owls or hawks, near your tomato plants. Squirrels may be intimidated by the presence of potential predators.
Possums
Possums, specifically brushtail possums, are a problem for tomato growers in Australia. Here are some strategies to protect your tomatoes from possums:
- Exclusion bags: Cover individual tomatoes with nylon exclusion bags to prevent possums from accessing them.
- Fencing: Construct a fence following guidelines provided by government sources, such as the Tasmanian government's recommendations for brushtail possum exclusion.
- Alternative food sources: Offer possums food in a different area away from your tomatoes to distract them. However, be cautious, as this may attract more possums.
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Deer, raccoons, and rabbits
Raccoons, on the other hand, are less interested in tomatoes. They are known to enjoy tree fruits and other garden goodies, but tomatoes seem to be too acidic for their taste. Raccoons are clever creatures, and their front paws are very sensitive, allowing them to learn about their food through touch. While they may not eat tomatoes, they might squish them, so it's important to keep an eye out for these mischievous creatures in your garden.
Rabbits can also eat tomatoes, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is crucial to remove the leaves, stems, and any green parts from the tomato before offering them to rabbits, as these can be toxic. Additionally, due to their high sugar content, tomatoes should be given in moderation to rabbits to avoid health issues like obesity, heart problems, and joint pain. A happy and healthy rabbit is one that enjoys a balanced and varied diet.
In addition to these animals, other creatures that may feast on your tomatoes include rats, birds, possums, fruit bats, and parrots. To protect your tomato plants, you might consider using bird netting or cages, and be cautious of leaving ripe tomatoes on the ground, as this makes them an easy target for hungry critters.
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Hornworms and aphids
Hornworms are a common pest for tomato plants in Australia. They are large caterpillars, typically 3 to 5 inches long, and are named for the "horn" protruding from their rear. They are green with white and black markings, and eight V-shaped stripes on their bodies. They blend in well with the plant greenery, making them difficult to spot. They can defoliate tomato plants in days, leaving spotty and chewed leaves and fruit. They are most active in early to mid-summer and are typically easy to control if monitored regularly.
To identify a hornworm infestation, look for large holes in leaves, severe defoliation, devoured flowers, and scarring on fruit surfaces. You may also find white cocoons and their hornworm hosts nearby. The best time to look for hornworms is during the evening when they come out to feed. Shining a bright flashlight on your plants can help illuminate these elusive pests.
There are several methods to prevent and get rid of hornworms. One natural way is to plant basil near your tomatoes, as it helps repel hornworms and other pests. Borage (Borago officinalis) and marigold are also effective repellents. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural bacterial insecticide that kills hornworms by paralyzing their digestive systems. It is most effective when sprayed onto the foliage and used on small caterpillars, and it must be reapplied every 5 to 7 days.
Another natural enemy of the tomato hornworm is the braconid wasp (Cotesia congregatus), a small, non-stinging parasitic wasp that deposits its eggs under the skin of soft-bodied caterpillars. The larvae feed on the hornworm until they are ready to pupate, then spin cocoons on the hornworm's back. If you see a hornworm covered in these cocoons, it is best to leave it be or move it to a sacrificial plant.
Aphids are another pest that can affect tomato plants. They can be deterred by planting basil, which improves yield and flavour.
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Birds and insects
Birds can eat tomatoes, but they should only be fed in moderation due to their high acidity and the presence of certain molecules. Ripe tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress, as well as vitamins A, B6, B9, C, and K, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. However, excessive consumption of tomatoes can lead to an excess of Vitamin D3, resulting in the formation of calcium deposits and causing discomfort and mobility issues in birds.
Gardeners often face the challenge of protecting their tomato plants from birds. Mockingbirds, in particular, are known to enjoy eating ripening tomatoes. To deter birds, some effective methods include providing alternative sources of water such as birdbaths or fountains, creating a separate bird garden with bird-friendly plants, or using bird netting to cover the plants. Hanging shiny objects like Christmas ornaments, pans, or old CDs can also startle birds and keep them away.
Insects are another common pest for tomato plants. Fruit flies, aphids, and budworms are among the most prevalent pests that can damage tomato crops. Fruit flies lay eggs in ripening tomatoes, resulting in tiny white maggots, while aphids thrive in mild, humid weather and on tender young plants. Budworms bore holes into tomatoes and are challenging to eradicate. To control these pests, gardeners can employ methods such as fruit fly sprays, jetting aphids off with water, or using insecticides like Beat-A-Bug.
Companion planting is another effective strategy to manage pests. Plants like basil, chives, nasturtiums, and marigolds can be grown alongside tomatoes to repel certain insects. Additionally, attracting beneficial insects such as ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and lacewings can help control pest populations. These insects prey on pests that plague tomato plants, helping to maintain a natural ecological balance.
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Protecting tomatoes from animals
Animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, rats, possums, birds, and deer can be a nuisance for tomato plants. To protect your tomatoes from these animals, you can try the following methods:
Fencing and Caging
Building a fence around your garden or using a cage for your tomato plants can be an effective way to keep out animals. For fencing, you can use chicken wire, plastic mesh, or lightweight bird netting. Make sure to bury the netting a few inches below the soil to prevent rabbits and other burrowing animals from digging underneath.
Raised Beds and Pots
Planting your tomatoes in raised beds that are 18 inches (46 cm) high or higher can deter rabbits and other small animals. Ensure that there are at least 6 inches (15 cm) of wood planks below the soil level to prevent burrowing. You can also place a barrier of heavy-duty hardware cloth or wire mesh below the raised beds for extra protection. Alternatively, you can plant tomatoes in large pots placed in areas where animals are less likely to venture, such as balconies or patios.
Scare Tactics
Placing your garden beds near motion sensor lights or hanging shiny objects, such as old CDs or pie pans, that blow in the wind can help scare away animals. Some people also find success by placing fake owls or other animal lawn ornaments in their gardens.
Repellents
Natural repellents, such as sprinkling garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or deer scram around your tomato plants, can make the area less appealing to animals. You can also try using commercial animal deterrent sprays, such as liquid fence, or attaching garlic oil repellent clips to your plants.
Water Trays
Some animals may be attracted to your tomato plants in search of water. Placing water trays around your garden can help deter them from going near your tomatoes. Just be sure to put rocks in the trays to prevent any creatures from drowning.
Bait and Trapping
If you are comfortable with the idea, you can set up cage traps baited with peanut butter to catch squirrels, chipmunks, or other small rodents. Another option is to use a mouse or rat snap trap baited with peanut butter.
Remember to inspect your plants regularly for any signs of damage or animal activity, and always be cautious when using any toxic substances that may harm pets or non-target animals.
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Frequently asked questions
Many animals eat tomatoes, including squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, deer, rabbits, rats, birds, possums, and goats.
Look for clues such as teeth marks, tracks, or droppings around the plant. If the fruit has been eaten from the top down, it is likely the work of a small climbing rodent. If you see hoof prints, it could be a deer. Rabbits leave behind small, ball-shaped droppings.
There are several ways to protect your tomatoes from animals:
- Use a wire cage or bird netting around the plants.
- Place the plants in a raised bed or large pot that is difficult for animals to access.
- Use animal deterrent sprays or repellents, such as strong-smelling substances like deodorant soap bars, pepper spray, or human hair.
- Build a fence around the garden, ensuring it is tight against the ground to prevent animals from crawling under.
- Place a fake owl in the garden to scare away birds.
In addition to animals, insects such as aphids, thrips, and hornworms can also be a problem for tomato plants.
