Have you ever taken a tomato out of your grocery bag or garden and found a hole in it? Even though throwing it out might be your first response, knowing what causes these holes can help you avoid the issue and save your harvest.

Pests are usually the source of tomato holes. The fruit is frequently chewed or dug into by insects such as beetles, stink bugs, and hornworms. Squirrels and birds are also frequent offenders; squirrels typically bite larger, especially when the tomatoes are maturing, while birds typically peck at little holes. Sometimes the problem isn’t even external. Your tomatoes may develop holes, scars, or sunken spots as a result of internal issues such blossom end rot or “catfacing,” a malformation brought on by temperature changes during blooming.

So, is it okay to consume a tomato that has a hole in it? It depends. The tomato is probably still edible if the damage is minimal and there are no indications of mold, pests, or an unpleasant smell. Examine the interior after cutting off the damaged area. Use the remainder if it is firm and fresh. However, it’s preferable to throw away the tomato if it has a big hole, is moldy, or smells bad.

A little garden care goes a long way toward preventing holes in your tomatoes. Examine your plants frequently for indications of pests, paying particular attention to the fruit and the undersides of the leaves. Give your plants regular watering because inconsistent watering can cause splitting and increase the susceptibility of tomatoes to damage. To deter birds and squirrels, use row covers or garden netting. Certain insects can be naturally repelled by companion planting with garlic, marigolds, or basil. Additionally, to maintain your garden neat, remove any fallen fruit and pluck weeds, as they tend to draw harmful bugs.

Always take a close look at tomatoes that have holes in them. Check for internal rot, mold, or insects. Don’t discard the remaining fruit if it’s still whole; simply cut off the damaged portion. However, discard it if it smells or looks poor, and seek for similar problems with other tomatoes nearby.

You can lessen the likelihood of damaged tomatoes and have a tasty, nutritious crop with a little care and attention. Even though they can be a little picky, tomatoes are well worth the work, especially if you grow them in your own backyard.