What It Means If You See These Holes in Tomatoes — And What You Should Do About It
You’re in your garden or grocery bag, admiring a batch of juicy, red tomatoes—until you spot it: a small, mysterious hole on the surface of one.
Maybe it’s tiny and round, or maybe it looks like something burrowed in and made itself at home. Whatever the shape, it’s not what you were hoping to find.
So, what do these holes mean?
Let’s break it down—because a hole in a tomato isn’t just a blemish. It’s often a warning sign of what’s going on inside… and it might not be pretty.
🐛 1. It Could Be a Worm — Specifically, the Tomato Fruitworm
The tomato fruitworm is one of the most common culprits behind tiny holes in tomatoes. These small, greenish or brown caterpillars chew their way into the fruit, leaving a small, tidy hole as evidence of their crime.
What to look for:
- A round entry hole (about the size of a pencil tip)
- Wet, mushy spots around the hole
- Black frass (a.k.a. caterpillar poop) nearby
Once inside, the worm feeds on the tomato’s flesh, making the interior inedible—even if the outside looks fine.
🐦 2. Birds Might Be Pecking for a Snack
If the hole is larger and ragged, it might not be an insect—it might be a bird. Birds love ripe, juicy tomatoes and often peck at them, leaving larger open wounds.
Tip: If your tomatoes are ripening outdoors, try netting or shiny deterrents to scare off feathered snackers.
🐌 3. Slugs or Snails Are Another Possibility
Slugs and snails usually attack low-hanging tomatoes and create irregular holes. You might also notice a slimy trail left behind. Gross? A little. Fixable? Absolutely.
🚫 4. Can You Still Eat It?
That depends. If the hole is:
- Tiny and dry, and the inside of the tomato is unaffected: You can cut out the hole and eat the rest.
- Oozing, discolored, or smells sour: Toss it. It may be full of bacteria or insects.
- Worm-infected: Hard no. Unless you enjoy surprise protein.
🛠️ 5. How to Prevent Holes in the Future
- Use row covers or fine netting to block pests.
- Pick tomatoes early and let them ripen indoors if pests are a constant issue.
- Keep the garden tidy—less clutter means fewer hiding spots for insects.
- Inspect regularly so you catch problems before they, well, burrow deeper.
🍅 Final Thoughts
Holes in tomatoes are more than cosmetic—they’re little red flags (sometimes literally). Whether it’s a sneaky worm or a hungry bird, a small hole can ruin your homegrown harvest or alert you to garden trouble.
So next time you spot one, don’t panic—but do take a closer look.
Because a tomato with a hole may just have a whole lot more going on inside.
