Do Skunks Eat Tomato Plants? Unveiling the Truth
While occasional nibbling can occur, skunks are generally not interested in consuming tomato plants. Their primary diet consists of insects, grubs, and small rodents, making your garden a hunting ground rather than a salad bar.
Skunks and the Gardener: A Complex Relationship
Skunks are often seen as a nuisance in gardens, and while they can cause damage, their presence isn’t always detrimental. Understanding their diet and behavior is crucial for mitigating potential problems and appreciating their role in the ecosystem.
The Skunk Diet: More Than Just Garbage
Contrary to popular belief, skunks aren’t primarily garbage eaters. Their diet is remarkably diverse and consists mainly of:
- Insects: Grubs, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets
- Rodents: Mice, voles, rats
- Earthworms: A significant part of their diet, especially in moist environments
- Fruits and Berries: Occasionally consumed, particularly when other food sources are scarce
- Eggs: From ground-nesting birds or reptiles
This varied diet highlights the skunk’s important role in controlling pest populations, especially insect pests that can devastate gardens.
Why the Misconception?
The misconception about skunks eating tomato plants likely stems from a few factors:
- Opportunistic Feeding: Skunks are opportunistic feeders. If easily accessible fruits or vegetables are present, they might sample them.
- Digging Behavior: Skunks dig for grubs and insects in the soil, which can inadvertently damage plants, leading to the assumption that they are eating them.
- Proximity to Tomatoes: Tomatoes are often planted low to the ground, making them easily accessible. Skunks might be foraging near tomato plants without actually consuming them.
Damage Attribution: Identifying the Real Culprit
Before blaming skunks for tomato plant damage, consider other potential culprits:
- Rabbits: These herbivores readily eat tomato plants, especially young seedlings.
- Deer: Deer can consume entire tomato plants, leaving behind telltale signs of browsing.
- Groundhogs: Groundhogs are notorious garden pests that will feast on a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes.
- Tomato Hornworms: These large caterpillars can quickly decimate tomato foliage.
Protecting Your Tomato Plants from Skunks (and Other Critters)
While skunks may not be eating your tomatoes, it’s wise to take precautions to protect your plants:
- Secure Fencing: A sturdy fence at least 3 feet high, buried several inches into the ground, can deter many animals, including skunks, rabbits, and groundhogs.
- Netting: Covering tomato plants with netting can prevent access to both animals and insects.
- Repellents: Commercial animal repellents containing ingredients like capsaicin (from chili peppers) can deter skunks and other pests. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Remove Food Sources: Eliminate potential food sources like fallen fruit or pet food to reduce skunk activity in your yard.
- Companion Planting: Certain plants, like marigolds, are believed to repel some pests.
- Elevated Garden Beds: Raising your tomato plants in elevated beds can make it more difficult for some animals to reach them.
Table: Comparing Potential Tomato Plant Pests
| Pest | Damage Type | Signs of Presence | Control Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skunks | Digging, occasional nibbling, uprooted plants | Skunk odor, shallow holes in the lawn | Fencing, repellents, remove food sources |
| Rabbits | Cleanly clipped leaves and stems, especially young plants | Droppings, signs of gnawing on stems | Fencing, netting, repellents |
| Deer | Ragged leaves and stems, missing fruits | Deer tracks, droppings | Tall fencing, repellents |
| Groundhogs | Extensive damage to leaves, stems, and fruits | Burrow entrances, droppings | Trapping, fencing |
| Hornworms | Defoliation, large green caterpillars on plants | Droppings, missing leaves, chewed fruits | Handpicking, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will skunks spray my tomato plants?
Skunks typically spray only when they feel threatened. While unlikely, accidental spraying near tomato plants could occur if a skunk feels cornered. The spray itself will not directly harm the plants, but the odor will be unpleasant.
Are baby skunks more likely to eat my tomatoes?
Young skunks, like their parents, primarily feed on insects and grubs. They may experiment with other foods, but tomatoes are unlikely to be a significant part of their diet.
How can I tell if a skunk is digging for grubs near my tomatoes?
Skunk digging is usually characterized by shallow, cone-shaped holes in the ground. These holes are typically small and numerous. Examine the soil around your tomato plants for these signs.
What’s the best way to get rid of skunks humanely?
The best approach is to make your property less attractive to skunks. Remove food sources, seal off access to under decks or sheds, and use repellents. Trapping and relocation should be a last resort and may require permits.
Can I use mothballs to deter skunks?
Mothballs are not recommended as a skunk deterrent. They are toxic to humans and animals and can contaminate the soil.
Will my dog deter skunks from my garden?
A dog can sometimes deter skunks, but it’s not a reliable method. Skunks are often nocturnal and can be active when dogs are inside. Also, a confrontation could result in your dog being sprayed.
Are there any plants that attract skunks?
Generally, no. Skunks are primarily attracted to food sources like grubs and insects. Fruit-bearing plants might attract them indirectly if the fruit is left on the ground.
How do I clean skunk spray off my tomato plants?
If your tomato plants are sprayed, rinse them thoroughly with water as soon as possible. You can also use a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap to neutralize the odor (test on a small area first).
Will skunks eat green tomatoes?
While they prefer ripe tomatoes, a skunk may sample a green tomato if other food sources are scarce. However, it’s unlikely to be a preferred food.
What should I do if I find a skunk den near my tomato plants?
Do not approach the den. Contact your local animal control agency for assistance. They can provide advice on how to safely encourage the skunk to relocate.
Are there any natural predators of skunks that might help control their population near my garden?
Great horned owls, foxes, and coyotes are natural predators of skunks. However, attracting predators to your garden can also pose risks to pets and other wildlife. Carefully consider the potential consequences before attempting to introduce predators.
Can I coexist peacefully with skunks in my garden?
Yes, with proper precautions. By protecting your tomato plants with fencing or netting, removing food sources, and avoiding direct contact, you can minimize conflicts and enjoy the benefits of having skunks control insect pests in your garden.