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holes in tomatoes #591612

Asked August 23, 2019, 8:11 PM EDT

My tomatoes have holes. Could the bug in one of the pictures be the culprit? If so what is it and how do I get rid of it. I have not seen any other bugs. Whatever it is it is leaving the leaves alone.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.

It’s too bad about your tomatoes.  I love growing tomatoes and know that after weeks of TLC just how frustrating it is to get tomatoes that have been attacked by some critter.  Here’s what I think is going on.  The damage to your tomatoes is probably being done by snails and/or slugs but most likely just slugs.  See:

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/slugs

This is not uncommon, especially if the actual tomatoes are close to the soil level.  I’m not sure what the small bugs are in your one picture but seriously doubt that they caused the damage to the fruit.  Slug damage can occur rather quickly, sometimes just overnight.  It would be interesting to know how quickly your tomato damage occurred?  My own personal preference is to discard tomatoes that have been attacked by snails and slugs.  However, I have some fellow gardeners who just cut out the damaged areas and eat the rest.  It is a matter of personal preference.

As for dealing with slugs, the above reference has some remedial procedures.  Additional suggestions are:

https://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/12-ways-get-rid-slugs-naturally.html

https://www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/insects-diseases-weeds/slugs/

Good Luck!!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 24, 2019, 1:52 PM EDT

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