Chipmunks are cute, furry little rodents that are commonly found in yards and gardens across the country. They can be both a nuisance and a delight for gardeners. While these animals may bring a certain charm to your yard, they can also wreak havoc on your prized plants. One of the questions many people ask is whether or not chipmunks eat tomatoes in the garden.
The answer to this question is yes, chipmunks do eat tomatoes in the garden. While it’s not their preferred food source, chipmunks may still munch on your tomatoes when they get hungry. As such, you should take precautions to protect your tomato plants from these furry pests.
Do chipmunks eat tomatoes on the vine?
Yes, chipmunks will eat tomatoes on the vine.
They prefer to eat ripe fruits, so it’s best to keep an eye on your tomatoes and pick them when they are fully red and juicy. Chipmunks may also nibble at the leaves or stems of tomato plants as well as the fruit itself.[2]
How to protect tomatoes from chipmunks?
Get a dog or a cat
Having a pet can help deter chipmunks from getting into your garden. Dogs and cats have keen senses that can detect the presence of chipmunks, making them less likely to enter.
Install barriers
Chipmunks are good climbers, so you may want to install barriers around your garden beds to keep these furry critters out. You can use wire mesh fence, netting, or even chicken wire.
Create Barriers for the chipmunks
In addition to physical barriers, you can also create a buffer zone in your garden to reduce the risk of chipmunks getting close enough to your tomatoes. For instance, you can plant mint or lavender around the perimeter of the garden, as these herbs have a strong scent that chipmunks don’t like.
Remove Any Food And Waste
Be sure to clean up any fallen fruit or food scraps that may attract chipmunks. Also, be mindful of keeping pet food and water bowls away from the garden area.
Use a chipmunk repellent
There are a variety of commercial repellents available that claim to be effective in keeping chipmunks away. If you decide to go this route, make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and use only in small amounts as directed.[1]
Companion Planting for your tomatoes
Planting certain herbs and vegetables near your tomato plants can also help deter chipmunks. Garlic, onions, and chives are all known to have a strong odor that chipmunks don’t like. Marigolds are also an effective companion plant for tomatoes as they produce a scent that can repel pests such as chipmunks.[1]
Physical Barriers for chipmunks
If you have an existing problem with chipmunks, you may need to install physical barriers around your tomato plants.
Wire mesh or chicken wire can be used as a barrier, but it’s important to ensure that the barrier is secure and extends at least 12 inches into the ground to prevent chipmunks from digging underneath. You can also build a raised bed and encircle it with chicken wire to make sure chipmunks can’t get into your tomatoes.[1]
Natural Repellents
There are several natural repellents that can help keep chipmunks away from your tomatoes.
Decoy Predators
Chipmunks are naturally afraid of predators, so you can use decoys in your garden to scare them away. Plastic owls, snakes, or other animals may work in deterring chipmunks from entering your tomato patch.
Ultrasonic Repellents
Ultrasonic repellents are devices that emit a high-frequency sound that is inaudible to most humans but can be heard by chipmunks. These devices are designed to scare away chipmunks from your garden, although the effectiveness of these products may vary.
Companion Planting for your tomatoes
Planting certain herbs and vegetables near your tomato plants can also help deter chipmunks. Garlic, onions, chives, marigolds, and oregano are all known to have a strong odor that chipmunks don’t like. Additionally, rosemary is known to repel flying insects such as aphids which might otherwise attract chipmunks to your garden. Planting these companion plants near your tomatoes can help keep chipmunks away.
Leaving Water for Chipmunks
Although chipmunks can be a nuisance in the garden, it’s important to remember that they are still wild animals that need water to survive. Leaving out a shallow dish of fresh water near the edge of your yard or garden can help keep them away from your tomatoes and other plants.
Remove Attractants
Chipmunks may be attracted to your garden if there are lots of tasty treats lying around. Avoid leaving out pet food or birdseed in the garden, and make sure to keep garbage cans closed. Additionally, open compost piles can also attract chipmunks, so it’s important to cover them with lids or tarps when not in use.
Do chipmunks eat tomatoes at night?
Chipmunks are most active during the day, so you’re unlikely to see them eating tomatoes at night. However, if you have a problem with chipmunks in your garden, it’s best to take preventive measures during the day to make sure they don’t get close enough to your tomato plants.[2]
What Attracts Chipmunks to Your Garden?
Vegetables and Fruits
Chipmunks are mainly attracted to vegetables and fruits in the garden, especially tomatoes. They also like corn, beans, squash, peppers, berries, and other ripe fruits.[3]
Open Compost Piles
Open compost piles can attract chipmunks due to the abundance of tasty snacks within them.
It’s important to keep compost piles covered when not in use, especially if you have chipmunks in the area.
Herbs
Chipmunks also like herbs, so if you have a herb garden near your tomatoes, this may be an additional attractant. Oregano, sage, thyme and parsley are all popular among chipmunks. Consider planting these herbs further away from your tomato plants to reduce the risk of chipmunk damage.[3]
Birdseed and Pet Food
Chipmunks are also attracted to birdseed and pet food, so it’s important to keep these items away from the garden area. Storing them indoors or in a sealed container can help reduce the risk of chipmunks getting into your garden.
Mushrooms
Chipmunks also like mushrooms, so if you have any in your garden it’s best to keep them away from your tomato plants. You can move the mushrooms further away from the tomatoes or simply remove them completely to reduce the risk of chipmunk damage.
Flower Bulbs
Chipmunks are also attracted to flower bulbs, so it’s important to keep them away from your garden area. If you have planted flower bulbs near your tomatoes, make sure to check for chipmunk damage regularly and take preventive measures such as using wire mesh or chicken wire barriers if necessary.
Pet Food
Chipmunks are also attracted to pet food, so it’s important to store it in a secure container. Additionally, avoid leaving out bird seed or other types of wild animal feed as this may attract chipmunks to your garden area. By storing pet food and birdseed indoors or in sealed containers away from your tomatoes, you can reduce the risk of chipmunk damage.
Plant Seeds
Chipmunks are also attracted to plant seeds, so take care when storing and planting them.
Insects and Bugs
Chipmunks are also attracted to insects and bugs, so make sure to keep your garden area free of these pests. If you have chipmunk problems in your garden, it’s best to use natural methods such as companion planting or using ultrasonic repellents to deter them. Additionally, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil to repel the insects and bugs that attract chipmunks.
Pests Eating Your Tomatoes
Squirrels
Squirrels can be a nuisance in the garden, and they may eat tomatoes if given the chance. It’s important to take preventive measures such as using wire mesh or chicken wire barriers around your tomato plants to keep squirrels away.
Additionally, you can use decoy predators like plastic owls or snakes near your tomato plants to deter them from entering the garden.[2]
Rabbits
Rabbits can sometimes become a nuisance in the garden, as they may take a liking to tomatoes if given the opportunity. To protect your tomato plants from these adorable but troublesome creatures, consider using wire mesh or chicken wire barriers. Another effective strategy is to place decoy predators such as plastic owls or snakes near your tomato plants, deterring rabbits from venturing into your garden. By implementing these measures, you can safeguard your precious crop and maintain a thriving garden.
Birds
Birds can sometimes pose a challenge in the garden, as they may take a liking to tomatoes. To safeguard your tomato plants, you can employ the use of netting or bird netting to keep these feathered visitors at bay. Another effective tactic is to strategically place decoy predators, such as plastic owls or snakes, near your tomato plants to discourage them from venturing into your garden. By implementing these measures, you can ensure the protection of your beloved tomato crop.[2]
Skunk Deterrents
Skunks can also become a problem in the garden, and they may take a liking to tomatoes if given the chance. To protect your tomato plants from these curious creatures, it’s best to use deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers or strobe lights. Additionally, you can strategically place decoy predators near your tomato plants, such as plastic owls or snakes, to scare skunks away. By taking these measures, you can ensure that your tomato crop remains safe from these mischievous creatures.
Chipmunks
Chipmunks can be a pesky problem in the garden, as they may take a liking to tomatoes if given the chance. To deter these tiny critters from devouring your precious crop, it’s best to use deterrents such as ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated sprinklers. Additionally, you can strategically place decoy predators near your tomato plants, such as plastic owls or snakes, to scare away these pesky rodents. By implementing these measures, you can ensure the protection of your tomato plants from chipmunks.
Bugs and Insects
Bugs and insects can also be a challenge in the garden, as they may take a liking to tomatoes if given the opportunity. To protect your tomato plants from these pesky pests, it’s best to use natural methods such as companion planting or using insecticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Additionally, you can strategically place decoy predators such as plastic owls or snakes near your tomato plants to scare away bugs and insects. By taking these measures, you can ensure the safety of your beloved tomatoes from these troublesome creatures.
FAQ
Do squirrels eat tomatoes?
Yes, squirrels can eat tomatoes in the garden if they have access to them. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to use wire mesh or chicken wire barriers around your tomato plants and strategically place decoy predators such as plastic owls or snakes near your tomato plants.
What keeps chipmunks away from vegetable garden?
One of the best ways to keep chipmunks away from vegetable gardens is to use deterrents such as ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated sprinklers. Additionally, you can strategically place decoy predators near your tomato plants, such as plastic owls or snakes, to scare chipmunks away.
What do chipmunks hate the most?
Chipmunks are scared of their natural predators, such as owls and snakes. To deter chipmunks away from your garden, consider strategically placing decoy predators near your tomato plants to scare them away. Additionally, you can use deterrents such as ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated sprinklers to keep chipmunks at bay.
What vegetables do chipmunks hate?
Chipmunks are not particularly fond of vegetables, but they may take a liking to tomatoes if given the chance. To keep chipmunks away from your tomato plants, it’s best to use deterrents such as ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated sprinklers and strategically place decoy predators near your tomato plants.
What are chipmunks most afraid of?
Chipmunks are most afraid of their natural predators, such as owls and snakes. To deter chipmunks away from your garden, consider strategically placing decoy predators near your tomato plants to scare them away. Additionally, you can use deterrents such as ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated sprinklers to keep chipmunks at bay.
What will make chipmunks go away?
The best way to make chipmunks go away is to use deterrents such as ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated sprinklers. Additionally, you can strategically place decoy predators near your tomato plants, such as plastic owls or snakes, to scare chipmunks away. By taking these preventive measures, you can ensure the protection of your tomatoes from these troublesome critters.
What scares chipmunks away?
Chipmunks are scared of their natural predators, such as owls and snakes. To deter chipmunks away from your garden, consider strategically placing decoy predators near your tomato plants to scare them away. Additionally, you can use deterrents such as ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated sprinklers to keep chipmunks at bay.
Useful Video: Stopping Chipmunks, squirrels and small critters from eating vegetables
Conclusion
Do chipmunks eat tomatoes in the garden? Yes, they can if given the opportunity. To protect your tomato plants from these pesky critters, it’s best to employ the use of deterrents such as ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated sprinklers and strategically place decoy predators near your tomato plants. By taking these preventive measures, you can ensure the safety of your tomato crop from these troublesome creatures.
Happy gardening!
References:
- https://sustainability-success.com/do-chipmunks-eat-tomatoes/#
- https://www.pestcontrolsleuth.com/how-to-keep-chipmunks-from-eating-tomatoes/
- https://squirreluniversity.com/do-chipmunks-eat-tomatoes/