If you’ve ever walked out to your garden only to find holes in your ripening tomatoes, you know the frustration it brings. After weeks of watering, pruning, and watching them grow, seeing damaged fruit can feel like a setback. But here’s the good news: a tomato with a hole isn’t always a lost cause. In many cases, you can still enjoy your harvest—and even prevent future damage.
Why Do Holes Appear in Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are soft, juicy, and irresistible—not just to humans but also to insects, animals, and even the weather. Holes in tomatoes usually come from three main causes:
-
Insects and Pests: Tomato hornworms, caterpillars, beetles, and other insects are the most common culprits. They chew through the skin and leave behind small to large holes.
-
Birds or Wildlife: Birds love pecking at juicy tomatoes, especially when they’re ripe. Small animals like squirrels may also take bites, leaving irregular puncture marks.
-
Physical Damage: Rough handling, storms, or even accidentally nicking the fruit with garden tools can break the skin, creating an opening for decay.
