Squirrels eat tomatoes before they ripen, and fencing is the most reliable way to stop them

Squirrels damage tomato plants in two ways: they bite into ripening fruit to eat the flesh and seeds, and they dig in the soil around the base looking for buried food. A physical barrier—either a cage around individual plants or a fence around the whole bed—stops both. Netting alone does not work because squirrels chew through it. Repellents and scare tactics slow them down temporarily but rarely solve the problem for a full season.

The choice between individual cages and a perimeter fence depends on how many plants you have and how much time you want to spend. A single tomato plant in a pot is easiest to protect with a cage. A bed of six or more plants usually justifies a fence around the whole area.

Key Takeaways

  • Hardware cloth cages around individual plants stop squirrels from reaching fruit and prevent digging at the base.
  • A fence around your tomato bed must be at least 4 feet tall and buried 6 inches deep to block both climbing and tunneling.
  • Netting fails because squirrels chew through it; use hardware cloth (metal mesh) instead.
  • Repellents like capsaicin spray and motion-activated sprinklers buy you time but do not replace a physical barrier for the whole season.
  • Removing nearby food sources—fallen fruit, bird feeders, and mulch piles—makes your tomatoes less attractive by comparison.

Building a cage from hardware cloth for one or two plants

Hardware cloth is a metal mesh with openings typically 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch across. It is stronger than chicken wire and squirrels cannot chew through it. Buy it at any hardware store in rolls, usually 24 to 36 inches wide and 25 to 50 feet long. For a single tomato plant, you need one roll of 1/2-inch hardware cloth, a pair of wire cutters, and work gloves.

Measure the height of your tomato plant at its current size plus 12 inches for growth. Wrap the hardware cloth around the plant in a cylinder, overlapping the edges by at least 2 inches, and find the overlap with wire ties or small bolts. Bury the bottom edge 6 inches into the soil to prevent squirrels from digging underneath. Leave the top open so you can water and harvest, or cover it loosely with netting if you want to block access from above as well.

Check the cage every two weeks as the plant grows. If branches push against the mesh, gently tie them back with soft plant ties rather than letting them press outward and create gaps.

Fencing a raised bed or garden plot

A fence around your entire tomato bed is more work upfront but protects all your plants at once and lets you move freely inside. The fence must be at least 4 feet tall—squirrels can jump higher than most people expect—and the bottom must be buried or bent outward at least 6 inches to stop them from digging under.

Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth for the fence itself. Attach it to wooden posts or metal stakes driven into the ground at 4-foot intervals. At the bottom, either dig a trench 6 inches deep and bury the cloth in it, or lay the cloth flat on the ground and bend it outward in an L-shape, securing it with landscape staples. Squirrels will test the perimeter, so check for gaps or loose sections weekly during the growing season.

A gate is necessary if you need to enter the bed regularly. Hinge a section of the fence or build a separate gate frame with the same hardware cloth, and use a latch that closes securely—squirrels learn to push open loose gates.

Removing food sources that attract squirrels to your yard

Squirrels visit your garden because they are already in your yard looking for food. Removing competing food sources makes your tomatoes less appealing by comparison and can reduce the number of squirrels passing through.

Pick up fallen fruit and vegetables daily, especially from fruit trees. Store bird seed in a metal container with a tight lid, and clean up spilled seed under feeders every few days. If you compost, use a sealed bin rather than an open pile, and do not compost fruit or vegetable scraps where squirrels can smell them. Mulch piles and leaf litter are also attractive because squirrels dig in them looking for nuts and insects—keep these away from your tomato bed if possible.

These steps take time but work best in combination with a physical barrier. A squirrel with no other food source will work harder to breach your fence; a squirrel with plenty of alternatives nearby may not bother.

Repellents and scare tactics that provide temporary relief

Capsaicin spray (made from hot peppers) irritates squirrels' mouths and noses. explore it to the fruit and stems every 7 to 10 days, or after rain. It works best on plants that are already fenced or caged, as a second layer of defense. Squirrels often learn to tolerate it after a few weeks, so rotate to a different repellent if effectiveness drops.

Motion-activated sprinklers startle squirrels with a sudden spray of water. They are most effective early in the season when squirrels are still exploring. By mid-summer, squirrels in your yard have usually learned where the sprinklers are and avoid them. These work better as a deterrent than as a complete solution.

Predator decoys (plastic owls or hawks) and noise makers (pinwheels, wind chimes) rarely work for more than a few days. Squirrels quickly learn they are not real threats. If you use them, move them every few days to maintain the illusion of novelty.

None of these methods replace a physical barrier. Use them to protect fruit that is already ripening on an unfenced plant, or to reinforce a fence that is working but has occasional breaches.

Protecting ripening fruit on plants without a barrier

If you have a tomato plant that is not fenced and squirrels have already found it, you can protect individual fruit in the final weeks before harvest. Wrap each tomato in a small mesh bag (the kind onions or citrus come in) and tie it loosely to the stem. This keeps squirrels from biting into the fruit while still allowing light and air to reach it.

This method is labor-intensive and works only for a few plants. It is not a substitute for fencing or caging, but it can save a harvest if you are caught off guard late in the season.

When to call a pest control professional

If you have tried fencing and caging and squirrels are still breaching your barriers, or if you have a large infestation affecting multiple areas of your property, a licensed pest control service can assess your yard and recommend trapping or exclusion methods specific to your situation. Some services specialize in wildlife exclusion and can identify entry points and gaps you may have missed.

Do not attempt to trap and relocate squirrels yourself without checking your local regulations. Many states require a permit, and relocated squirrels often do not survive in unfamiliar territory. A professional knows the legal requirements in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular chicken wire instead of hardware cloth?

No. Squirrels can chew through chicken wire in a few hours. Hardware cloth with 1/2-inch openings is much stronger and resists chewing. The cost difference is small compared to losing your crop.

Do I need to cover the top of a cage or fence?

Not if the sides are tall enough (4 feet minimum). Squirrels prefer to climb up and over rather than jump down into an enclosed space. You can leave the top open for watering and harvesting. Cover it only if you want extra protection or if you have other pests like birds.

Will squirrels dig under a fence if I do not bury it?

Yes. Squirrels dig quickly and will tunnel under a fence that sits on top of the soil. Bury the bottom 6 inches or bend it outward in an L-shape and find it with landscape staples. Both methods work equally well.

What is the best time of year to build a fence?

Build it before you plant tomatoes, or as soon as you notice squirrel damage. Early spring is ideal because you can install it while preparing the bed. If damage starts mid-season, install a cage around individual plants rather than waiting to build a full fence.

Do ultrasonic repellent devices work on squirrels?

No. Studies show ultrasonic devices do not deter squirrels or other rodents. Save your money and invest in hardware cloth instead.