What It Means If You See These Holes in Tomatoes 🍅
If you’ve ever picked a ripe tomato and noticed small holes or dark spots on its surface, don’t ignore them — they’re not just cosmetic flaws. These holes are signs that something’s going on inside your tomato, and understanding what they mean can help you protect your garden and your health.
1. Insect Damage
The most common reason for holes in tomatoes is insect activity. Tiny pests like tomato fruit worms, hornworms, or beetles can bore into the fruit to feed or lay eggs. These holes are often small and circular, but they can lead to rotting or mold inside the tomato. If you notice this, it’s best to discard the affected fruit and inspect nearby plants for pests.
2. Tomato Fruit Worms (or Caterpillars)
These are among the most destructive garden pests. They chew holes into tomatoes and sometimes hide inside the fruit itself. If you find a hole with dark edges and mushy spots nearby, there’s likely a worm or larva inside. Removing damaged tomatoes quickly prevents them from spreading to others.
3. Cracking from Water Stress
Sometimes, what looks like a “hole” is actually a split caused by uneven watering. When tomatoes receive a sudden rush of water after a dry spell, their skins can crack as they expand too fast. These cracks may later darken and resemble holes. Keep watering consistent to prevent this.
4. Bird Pecking or Rodents
Small peck marks or holes can also be caused by birds or small animals looking for a snack. Birds tend to peck open ripe fruit, while rodents leave bite-like holes. Protect your garden with netting or mesh covers to keep them away.
5. Fungal or Bacterial Infections
Holes sometimes form when tomatoes are infected by fungal or bacterial diseases, such as anthracnose. These cause sunken, circular lesions that eventually break open. The fruit may develop a soft, watery texture around the hole. If this happens, it’s best not to eat the tomato.
6. Should You Eat Tomatoes with Holes?
It’s safer not to eat tomatoes that have holes. The damaged area allows bacteria and mold to enter easily, even if the surface looks fine elsewhere. Always cut open the tomato — if there’s discoloration, a foul smell, or larvae inside, throw it away immediately.
7. How to Prevent It
• Check plants regularly for pests.
• Use natural repellents like neem oil or garlic spray.
• Water plants evenly to avoid stress cracking.
• Harvest tomatoes as soon as they ripen.
Small holes in tomatoes might look harmless, but they often signal bigger problems. Catching these early keeps your garden healthy — and your next tomato harvest safe, fresh, and delicious. 🍅
