How to Keep Squirrels Away From Your Tomato Plants Naturally

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Growing your own tomatoes is a rewarding and delicious endeavor. There’s nothing quite like plucking a ripe, sun-warmed tomato straight from the vine. But just as your tomatoes begin to ripen, you may notice half-eaten fruits, trampled leaves, or even entire clusters missing. More often than not, the culprits are squirrels—crafty, quick, and surprisingly persistent garden invaders.

While it’s frustrating to lose your tomatoes to these agile foragers, you don’t have to resort to harmful methods. There are numerous natural, humane strategies to deter squirrels and protect your crop. In this guide, we’ll break down why squirrels are so drawn to tomato plants, how to identify their activity, and share 10 tried-and-true natural methods to keep them out of your garden for good.

Why Squirrels Love Tomatoes

Squirrels are omnivorous and opportunistic eaters. When natural food sources are scarce or hard to reach, they turn to easy, nutritious options in nearby gardens—including your tomatoes. Here’s why tomatoes are so appealing:

Hydrating and juicy: Tomatoes are packed with water, making them a refreshing snack—especially during hot, dry spells.
Sweet and nutrient-rich: The sugars in ripened tomatoes provide quick energy.
Accessible: Tomato plants are low to the ground and often unprotected, making them an easy target.

Understanding what attracts squirrels to your plants is the first step in building a better defense.

Signs of Squirrel Activity in Your Garden

Before jumping to solutions, make sure squirrels are actually to blame. Here are common indicators:

Half-eaten tomatoes: You may find tomatoes with large bites taken out of them or hollowed centers.
Disturbed soil and plants: Squirrels often dig near plants looking for food or places to bury nuts.
Broken stems or trampled foliage: Signs of climbing or movement through dense tomato vines.
Droppings and paw prints: Look for small, oval droppings or tiny tracks with four toes in front and five in back.

Once you’ve confirmed squirrel presence, it’s time to defend your tomatoes.

10 Natural Ways to Keep Squirrels Away from Tomato Plants

1. Install Physical Barriers

The most reliable way to protect tomatoes is by physically keeping squirrels out.

How to create barriers:

Bird netting: Drape lightweight netting over plants and secure it at the base with rocks or garden staples.
Tomato cages with mesh: Wrap cages in hardware cloth or chicken wire with small openings.
Cloche covers: Individual plants can be protected with dome-shaped wire covers.

Pro Tip: Avoid plastic mesh if possible—squirrels may chew through it.

2. Use Repellent Plants

Some plants naturally repel squirrels thanks to their strong scent or bitter taste.

Best squirrel-repelling companion plants:

Alliums: Garlic, onions, and chives give off pungent odors squirrels dislike.
Marigolds: Their musky smell can confuse pests.
Lavender: Its strong aroma may deter rodents and attract pollinators.

Pro Tip: Plant these around the perimeter of your tomato bed to form a protective ring.

3. Apply Homemade Sprays

DIY repellents are simple, safe, and effective deterrents when applied regularly.

Natural spray recipes:

Hot pepper spray: Blend hot chili peppers with water, a dash of dish soap, and spray on plant leaves (not the fruit).
Garlic spray: Soak crushed garlic cloves in water overnight, strain, and spray around the plants.
Cinnamon and clove mix: Sprinkle these spices on the soil to add a scent barrier.

Pro Tip: Reapply after watering or rainstorms to maintain effectiveness.

4. Install Motion-Activated Devices

Squirrels are cautious by nature. Sudden movements or noises can spook them away.

Effective deterrents:

Motion-activated sprinklers: A quick spray of water sends them running.
Noise-makers: Alarms or radios set on timers can discourage loitering.
Reflective tape or pinwheels: The shimmer and movement can be unsettling.

Pro Tip: Move devices occasionally to prevent squirrels from getting used to them.

5. Harvest Tomatoes Early

If squirrels are drawn to ripe fruit, reduce their window of opportunity.

Smart harvesting tips:

Pick at blush stage: Harvest when tomatoes start turning color and let them ripen indoors.
Use protective fruit bags: Mesh bags around ripening fruit can keep pests at bay.
Stagger planting: Grow varieties that mature at different times to avoid one large vulnerable harvest.

6. Remove Garden Attractants

A clean and less tempting garden is your best passive defense.

What to do:

Clear fallen fruit daily: Overripe or dropped tomatoes attract not just squirrels, but other pests.
Secure trash and compost bins: These are potential food sources.
Use squirrel-proof bird feeders: Spilled seeds can lure rodents in.

Pro Tip: Regularly inspect your garden for overlooked attractants like snack wrappers, nuts, or pet food.

7. Encourage Natural Predators

Squirrels are prey animals and will avoid areas where predators are active.

Natural deterrents:

Install owl decoys or hawk kites: Place them near your garden and rotate them frequently.
Pet patrol: Let your dog or cat spend supervised time near the garden.
Attract birds of prey: Put up perches or nesting boxes to welcome natural hunters.

8. Plant Decoy Crops

Sacrificial plants can distract squirrels from your prized tomatoes.

Best decoy crops:

Sunflowers: The seeds are irresistible to squirrels.
Corn or pumpkin vines: Big and bold, they often draw attention first.
Mulberry or berry bushes: These can lure squirrels away if planted on the garden edge.

Pro Tip: Keep decoy plants well away from your tomatoes to prevent accidental crossover.

9. Use Ultrasonic Sound Devices

These gadgets emit high-frequency sounds that irritate rodents but are typically inaudible to humans.

How to use them:

Place near the tomato bed: Angle the speaker toward known squirrel entry points.
Rotate weekly: Prevent squirrels from adapting to the noise.

Pro Tip: Combine sound deterrents with visual or scent-based ones for greater success.

10. Live Trap and Relocate (If Legal)

In some cases, trapping may be your last resort—especially if you’re dealing with one very persistent squirrel.

Safe trapping steps:

Use humane live traps: Bait with peanut butter, nuts, or apple slices.
Check traps frequently: Never leave animals confined for long periods.
Release responsibly: Follow local wildlife laws and release squirrels miles away from residential areas.

Bonus Tips for Long-Term Prevention

Prune low branches: Make climbing harder for squirrels.
Add vertical supports: Tall, trellised plants are less accessible.
Rotate planting areas: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot each year.
Observe patterns: Track squirrel activity times and adjust defenses accordingly.

Conclusion

Squirrels may be determined, but with the right natural strategies, your tomatoes don’t have to be their next snack. From using repellent plants and sprays to setting up barriers and encouraging natural predators, there are plenty of ways to outsmart these clever critters—without causing harm.

By combining multiple techniques and staying consistent with your efforts, you can enjoy a squirrel-free tomato season and savor the fruits of your labor—literally.