“You spot it and your stomach drops. That perfect, glossy tomato… has a hole.”

Small holes in tomatoes often look alarming, but they are usually signs of pest activity rather than anything dangerous or mysterious. In most cases, insects or small animals have fed on the fruit, leaving behind entry points or surface damage. While it can ruin the appearance of the tomato, it does not automatically mean the entire garden is at risk.

These holes are commonly caused by garden pests such as caterpillars, fruit worms, slugs, or birds. Some insects burrow into the tomato to feed on the inside, while others simply take small bites from the surface. In warm growing seasons, this type of damage becomes more frequent as pest populations increase and food sources become easier to access.

The damage can vary depending on the culprit. Caterpillars like tomato hornworms often leave larger, deeper holes and internal feeding tunnels, while smaller insects may create tiny puncture marks. Birds tend to peck irregular holes on the surface, and slugs usually leave soft, shallow damage, especially in damp conditions.

Despite how unpleasant it looks, a tomato with a hole is not always unsafe to eat. If the damaged area is small and the rest of the fruit is firm and clean, the affected section can usually be cut away. However, heavily damaged or rotten tomatoes should be discarded. In gardens, prevention focuses on regular inspection, removing pests early, and using protective methods like netting or natural pest control to reduce future damage.