Finding small holes in tomatoes is usually a sign that something has interacted with the fruit rather than a random defect. In most cases, insects such as caterpillars or beetles are responsible, feeding on the skin and sometimes tunneling inside. Birds and small animals like squirrels may also peck at ripening tomatoes, especially when water is scarce or fruit is easily accessible. In other instances, environmental stress can cause issues like cracking or “catfacing,” which weaken the skin and make the fruit more vulnerable to pests and decay.
To understand what’s happening, it helps to inspect the tomato closely. Look for chew marks, tiny droppings (frass), soft or slimy areas, mold, or any sign of active insects inside the fruit. These clues can help you decide whether the tomato is still usable or should be discarded.
Prevention is often straightforward. Using garden netting or fabric barriers can reduce damage from birds and animals. Regularly checking plants for early pest activity, removing fallen or damaged fruit, and maintaining consistent watering can also reduce stress-related cracking. Companion planting with herbs and flowers such as basil or marigolds may help discourage certain pests.
In most cases, a hole in a tomato is less about failure and more about what’s happening in the garden ecosystem. It’s a signal to adjust care and protect future harvests.
