Holes in Tomato? What It Means and What to Do

Okay, real talk–Have you ever been in the garden or searched the bottom of your grocery bag and pulled out what looked to be a nice plump juicy tomato… And then bam! A hole. I mean, it’s just sitting there. I don’t know about you, but my first instinct is to recoil just a bit and say under my breath, “What even are you?”

But before we toss that poor tomato in our compost pile and dramatically turn away (guilty), let’s take a beat. Holes in tomatoes are not all that uncommon and the reasons behind them are super interesting-although gross sometimes-and definitely fixable. And if you grow you own tomatoes, you’ve definitely seen some of this weirdness show up uninvited.

Let me take you through why this happens, what it might mean for your beloved tomato babies, and what you’re able to do about it.

What Causes Holes in Tomatoes, Anyway?

Let’s start with the obvious: something poked, chewed, or munched its way into that tomato. It didn’t happen by accident. Most of the time, it’s one of these three culprits:

1. Insects (a.k.a. your tiny sworn enemies)

This is the number one offender. Tomato fruitworms, hornworms, stink bugs, beetles—you name it. They’re all out here acting like your garden is a 24/7 buffet.

I remember one summer when I finally got my tomato plants looking gorgeous. I was watering them one morning when I saw this massive green hornworm just chilling on a branch like he paid rent. Not only had he chomped through a few leaves, but he’d also made himself at home inside a tomato. I was horrified. And impressed? But mostly horrified.

These pests chew or bore tiny to gaping holes into tomatoes, leaving behind a mess and possibly some internal damage. The real kicker? Sometimes the outside looks almost fine… until you slice it open.

If hornworms are your garden’s biggest offender, here’s how to stop tomato hornworms from harming your tomato plants before they take over your crop.

2. Birds or Squirrels (because they’re jerks sometimes)

Birds and squirrels are cute until they’re not. A few pecks here, a bite there—and next thing you know, your tomato looks like it was used as target practice. Birds are especially attracted to red, ripening fruit, and if you’re dealing with drought, they may be pecking your tomatoes for water.

Pro tip: if you see peck marks near the top of the fruit and it’s mostly untouched, it’s probably a bird. If half the tomato is gone? Blame a squirrel.

3. Physical Damage or Growing Issues

Sometimes it’s not even a pest. It could be weather stress, handling, or internal defects like blossom end rot or even something called catfacing (yes, that’s a real thing). Weird name, I know. But it can cause deformities and holes in the tomato flesh.

If you’re noticing strange scarring, craters, or holes that look more like growth defects than bite marks, take a look into catfacing on tomatoes. It’s surprisingly common and usually caused by cold temps during flowering.

Is It Safe to Eat a Tomato with a Hole in It?

Here’s the million-dollar question: can you still eat it?

Short answer: maybe.

If the hole is small and you don’t see any insects still inside (ew), and the inside of the tomato looks fresh—no mold, no sliminess, no funky smells—then yes, it’s probably safe. Just cut around the damaged area and use the rest.

That said, if the hole is large, soggy, moldy, or just gives off horror movie vibes? Toss it. Better safe than sorry.

I made the mistake once of trying to salvage a tomato with what looked like a tiny surface hole. Turns out it was a tunnel. And I’ll just say… there was movement inside. I screamed. Like, dropped-it-and-ran kind of scream. Lesson learned.

How to Prevent Holes in Your Tomatoes

Alright, now that we’ve emotionally processed the hole-in-the-tomato situation, let’s talk prevention. Because honestly? Losing your best tomatoes to bugs or birds is just rude.

1. Inspect your plants regularly

I know, I know—easier said than done when life’s busy. But even a quick daily glance can help you catch pests before they go full zombie apocalypse on your crop. Look for chewed leaves, droppings, or eggs under the leaves.

2. Water your plants evenly

Weirdly, irregular watering can also lead to issues like cracking and other vulnerabilities. Sudden surges of water (especially after a dry spell) can cause the fruit to split. And splits? They’re like an open invitation to bugs and bacteria.

If you’ve dealt with splitting tomatoes before, you know how frustrating it is. Check out these simple tips for how to stop tomatoes from splitting to get ahead of that.

3. Use netting or garden fabric

This is my go-to for keeping out birds and squirrels. Just drape some lightweight mesh over your plants and secure it. You’ll feel like a tomato bodyguard. Plus, your fruit stays safe without harming the critters.

4. Companion planting and natural deterrents

Basil, marigolds, and garlic near your tomatoes can actually repel certain bugs. Plus, it makes your garden smell amazing. A win-win.

5. Keep things clean

Old fruit, fallen leaves, and overgrown weeds? They’re like the VIP lounge for pests. Keep the area around your tomato plants tidy to discourage squatters.

So… What Should You Do When You Find a Hole?

Here’s the simple game plan:

Check the tomato. Look for signs of bugs, mold, or general grossness.
Cut it open. If the interior looks fine, cut around the damaged area and use the rest.
Toss it if it’s questionable. Don’t risk it if it’s mushy, smells weird, or gives you bad vibes.
Check the plant. If one tomato has holes, there’s a chance others do too.
Treat the problem. Once you’ve ID’d the likely cause, take action—remove pests, add deterrents, fix watering, etc.

Seeing a hole in your tomato, or even worse, several holes, may seem gross or disappointing, but it is not the end of the world. In most cases, it is just an indication of some adjustments needed in your garden ecosystem, whether that is more attention to watering, controlling pests, or even a squirrel who decided to eat its lunch off of your plant.

Either way, now you know what to do, what to look for, and how to prevent the problem. Tomatoes can be a little high-maintenance at times, but they are more than worth it, especially when you have grown the tomatoes.