The most common reason for holes in tomatoes is insect activity. Tiny pests like\u00a0tomato fruit worms, hornworms, or beetles<\/strong>\u00a0can bore into the fruit to feed or lay eggs. These holes are often small and circular, but they can lead to rotting or mold inside the tomato. If you notice this, it\u2019s best to discard the affected fruit and inspect nearby plants for pests.<\/p>\n These are among the most destructive garden pests. They chew holes into tomatoes and sometimes hide inside the fruit itself. If you find a hole with dark edges and mushy spots nearby, there\u2019s likely a worm or larva inside. Removing damaged tomatoes quickly prevents them from spreading to others.<\/p>\n Sometimes, what looks like a \u201chole\u201d is actually a\u00a0split caused by uneven watering<\/strong>. When tomatoes receive a sudden rush of water after a dry spell, their skins can crack as they expand too fast. These cracks may later darken and resemble holes. Keep watering consistent to prevent this.<\/p>\n Small peck marks or holes can also be caused by\u00a0birds or small animals<\/strong>\u00a0looking for a snack. Birds tend to peck open ripe fruit, while rodents leave bite-like holes. Protect your garden with netting or mesh covers to keep them away.<\/p>\n Holes sometimes form when tomatoes are infected by\u00a0fungal or bacterial diseases<\/strong>, such as\u00a0anthracnose<\/strong>. These cause sunken, circular lesions that eventually break open. The fruit may develop a soft, watery texture around the hole. If this happens, it\u2019s best not to eat the tomato.<\/p>\n It\u2019s safer\u00a0not to eat tomatoes that have holes<\/strong>. The damaged area allows bacteria and mold to enter easily, even if the surface looks fine elsewhere. Always cut open the tomato \u2014 if there\u2019s discoloration, a foul smell, or larvae inside, throw it away immediately.<\/p>\n \u2022 Check plants regularly for pests. Small holes in tomatoes might look harmless, but they often signal bigger problems. Catching these early keeps your garden healthy \u2014 and your next tomato harvest safe, fresh, and delicious.\u00a02.\u00a0Tomato Fruit Worms (or Caterpillars)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0Cracking from Water Stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4.\u00a0Bird Pecking or Rodents<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5.\u00a0Fungal or Bacterial Infections<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6.\u00a0Should You Eat Tomatoes with Holes?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
7.\u00a0How to Prevent It<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Use natural repellents like neem oil or garlic spray.
\n\u2022 Water plants evenly to avoid stress cracking.
\n\u2022 Harvest tomatoes as soon as they ripen.<\/p>\n![\"\ud83c\udf45\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f345.svg\")
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