I've been having serious trouble with squirrels munching on my tomato plants. I've lost four plants so far, as they've chewed through the main stems and ripped off branches. They don't seem to go for the tomatoes themselves, whether they're ripe or not, and they don't touch my other plants like cucumbers or peppers. I've tried various methods I've found online, such as cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar, but nothing seems to work. I'm looking for tried-and-true methods to deter them without harming the squirrels or getting a dog. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
Installing a solid physical barrier is really your best bet. I keep my tomatoes in cages, which definitely helps. If the squirrels are really persistent, consider wrapping the entire bed in netting and staking it down, making sure it’s tight to prevent other animals from getting stuck.
First off, are you sure it's squirrels doing the damage? I've seen squirrels nibble on tomatoes, but they usually just take a bite and toss them aside. You might want to check for other culprits like rabbits or even tomato hornworms. Also, installing a barrier could be helpful, but squirrels are crafty. A full cage made of chicken wire could be the way to go! Good luck!
Make sure to provide fresh water away from your garden to keep them distracted. And don’t forget about physical barriers! Insect netting is a simple and cheap solution, and I used some good plumbing tubing for my own setup, which worked wonders.
Haha, just a little mix-up! I meant pex tubing, not pecan!
Yeah, I agree that this sounds unusual for squirrel behavior. Investing in a trail cam could help you identify the real intruder. They're pretty affordable—around $30-$60. It would be a solid investment if you're dealing with garden pests.