In the age of social media, rumors can spread like wildfire — and when it comes to gardening, this can lead to unnecessary panic and misinformation. One recent example is the viral claim that small, round holes in tomatoes are caused by snake bites. Photos of punctured tomatoes have circulated widely, often accompanied by alarmist warnings.
Let’s take a moment to bust this myth and dive into the real, science-backed explanation for what’s going on.
🐍 Do Snakes Really Bite Tomatoes?
Absolutely not. The idea that snakes are biting into tomatoes is not only false but also biologically impossible.
Snakes are carnivores. They do not eat fruits or vegetables. Their jaws are designed to swallow prey whole, not to nibble or bite pieces off objects like tomatoes. They don’t have chewing teeth like mammals — instead, they have recurved fangs meant for gripping and swallowing.
So if a tomato has small holes in it, you can be sure that a snake isn’t the culprit.
🧪 The Real Cause: Insects and Worms
Tomatoes are juicy, nutrient-dense, and irresistible — not to snakes, but to a range of insect pests. These pests are the true cause of the holes you’re seeing, and each leaves behind a signature form of damage.
Here are the most common offenders:
1. Tomato Fruitworms (Helicoverpa zea)
These pests bore deep into tomatoes, leaving perfectly round entry holes. They often hide inside the fruit, feeding away unnoticed until you cut it open.
Tell-tale signs: Entry holes, frass (insect waste), and internal tunneling.
2. Tomato Hornworms
These are large, green caterpillars that chew on leaves and fruit. While they tend to eat large portions, smaller ones might leave round bites that resemble boreholes.
Tell-tale signs: Defoliated plants, large missing chunks, green caterpillars nearby.
3. Stink Bugs
Stink bugs pierce the tomato skin with their straw-like mouthparts and suck out the juices. The result? Small, sunken, discolored holes.
Tell-tale signs: Tiny needle-like holes that expand over time; white or yellow blotches on the fruit.
4. Cutworms, Armyworms, and Other Caterpillars
These ground-dwelling pests often attack the base of plants and can also nibble on fruit if given the chance.
Tell-tale signs: Random feeding damage, missing seedlings, and chewed fruit edges.
🐞 Why It’s Important to Get the Facts Straight
Misinformation may seem harmless, but in gardening, it can have real consequences:
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Unnecessary fear around safe and edible produce.
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Neglect of real pest problems that require intervention.
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Wasted crops due to misdiagnosis and panic disposal.
Knowing what actually causes the damage helps you take the right steps to protect your plants, rather than chasing false leads (like mythical tomato-biting snakes!).
🧰 What Should You Do If Your Tomatoes Have Holes?
If you notice holes in your tomatoes like those in the image you shared, here’s what you can do:
✅ Inspect Your Plants
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Check under leaves and around the base of the plant.
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Look for caterpillars, bugs, eggs, or frass.
✅ Remove Affected Fruit
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Discard or compost damaged tomatoes to stop the spread of pests.
✅ Use Natural Pest Control
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Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
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Use floating row covers to block pests.
✅ Practice Crop Rotation & Clean Gardening
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Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot every year.
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Clean up plant debris and weeds where pests might hide.
🌿 In Conclusion
Tomato holes are a frustrating sight — especially after all the hard work you put into growing your garden — but rest assured, snakes are not to blame. The real villains are much smaller, often hiding in plain sight. By understanding the true causes of this damage and taking simple preventive steps, you can enjoy a bountiful, hole-free tomato harvest.
So the next time someone tells you a snake bit their tomato, you’ll know: that’s just a juicy gardening myth.