found in tomatoes are caused by snake bites. These posts, often accompanied by dramatic warnings and close-up photos, have gone viral, stirring fear and confusion among gardeners and produce lovers. But let’s set the record straight: snakes do not bite tomatoes.
🧪 The Scientific Truth
Tomatoes are soft, nutrient-rich fruits — an ideal target for many insects and worms, but absolutely not for snakes. Snakes are carnivores, meaning they eat meat — not fruits or vegetables. They don’t chew, pierce, or nibble. Instead, they swallow their prey whole. The idea of a snake taking a “bite” out of a tomato is biologically incorrect.
🐛 So, What’s Really Causing the Holes?
The most common culprits behind tomato holes are:
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Tomato Fruitworms (Helicoverpa zea): These pests burrow deep into tomatoes, leaving behind open wounds and sometimes even hiding inside the fruit.
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Tomato Hornworms: These large, green caterpillars can chew massive chunks out of leaves and tomatoes.
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Stink Bugs: These cause small pin-like holes, which later rot and expand.
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Cutworms, armyworms, and other garden caterpillars also occasionally damage the fruit.
Each of these insects leaves distinctive marks and is well-known to home gardeners, agricultural experts, and farmers alike.
🌿 Why This Misinformation Matters
Believing that snake bites are behind tomato damage is more than just a misunderstanding — it spreads fear, distracts from real gardening problems, and may even keep people from eating safe, healthy produce.
