Tomatoes are a popular choice for many gardeners, but did you know that they are also a popular food source for a variety of animals at night? From marsupials to rodents, a number of animals will raid gardens and eat tomatoes, especially when they are overripe or have fallen from the vine. Here is a list of some of the animals that are known to eat tomatoes at night:
- Opossums: These marsupials are known to forage for food at night, and tomatoes are a common item on their menu. They are opportunistic eaters and will eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and even small animals. Opossums are not typically considered to be a major pest in gardens, but they can cause damage if they become too numerous.
- Raccoons: These omnivorous mammals are also known to forage for food at night, and tomatoes are a popular choice for them as well. They are known to raid gardens and eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes. Raccoons can cause significant damage to gardens and are known to carry diseases, so it’s best to keep them out of your garden.
- Skunks: Skunks are opportunistic eaters and will consume a wide variety of foods, including tomatoes. They are known to forage for food at night and will eat fruits, vegetables, insects, and even small animals. Skunks are not typically considered to be a major pest in gardens, but they can cause damage if they become too numerous.
- Squirrels: These rodents are known to raid gardens and eat tomatoes, especially at night when they are less active. Squirrels are known to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, and can cause significant damage to gardens if they become too numerous.
- Deer: While deer are primarily herbivores and prefer to eat plants, they will also eat fruits, including tomatoes, especially when food sources are scarce. They are known to raid gardens at night and can cause significant damage if they become too numerous.
- Slugs and snails: These gastropods are known to eat a wide variety of plants, including tomatoes, especially at night when they are less active. They can cause significant damage to gardens if they become too numerous, and it’s best to keep them out of your garden.
- Birds: Some birds, like robins and cedar waxwings, will eat tomatoes at night, especially if they are overripe or have fallen from the vine. While they may not cause significant damage to gardens, they can still be a nuisance.
- Bats: Bats are known to eat a wide variety of insects, but some species will also eat fruits, including tomatoes, at night. Bats are considered to be beneficial animals as they help to control insect populations, but they can still be a nuisance in gardens.
- Rats and mice: These rodents are known to raid gardens and eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, at night. They can cause significant damage to gardens and are known to carry diseases, so it’s best to keep them out of your garden.
- Armadillos: These animals are known to forage for food at night, and tomatoes can be a part of their diet. They are known to dig in gardens in search of grubs and other insects and will also eat fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes. Armadillos can cause significant damage to gardens if they become too numerous.
In conclusion, while tomatoes are a popular choice for gardeners, they are also a popular food source for a variety of animals at
