Both birds and squirrels are known to eat garden tomatoes, and differentiating between the two culprits often involves observing the type of damage and the location of the affected fruit.

To tell if birds are eating your garden tomatoes or squirrels, look for specific signs of damage and consider the location of the damaged fruit. Birds are more likely to peck on the tomato while it remains attached to the plant, often leaving significant damage by pecking at the tomatoes and leaving them partially eaten and unusable.[1] [3] Birds, such as crows and sparrows, are attracted to the bright red color of ripe tomatoes and are active during the daytime.[3] Squirrels, on the other hand, may leave behind medium to large holes in the fruit or take bites out of multiple tomatoes, often eating small chunks.[2] [3] If a half-eaten tomato is found on the ground near the plant, squirrels are considered leading suspects, as birds would typically peck while the fruit is still attached.[1] Squirrels are also active during the daytime.[1] [3] Observing the time of day when the damage occurs can help rule out nocturnal pests like rats, but both birds and squirrels are active during the day.[1]

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