What It Means If You See These Holes in Tomatoes

Ever pulled a tomato from your garden or grocery bag only to find a hole in it? While it’s tempting to toss it, understanding why it happens can help prevent it in the future. Holes in tomatoes are most often caused by pests such as hornworms, stink bugs, or beetles that chew or bore into the fruit. Birds and squirrels are also common culprits, especially when tomatoes begin to ripen.

Birds typically peck small holes, while squirrels take larger bites. In some cases, holes or scars can result from internal issues like blossom end rot or “catfacing,” a deformity caused by temperature changes during flowering.