What’s Eating My Tomato Leaves? (A Guide to Tomato Leaf Pests and Diseases)

AvatarByKelsey Hammons General Blog

Tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious summer staple, but they can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. One of the most common problems is leaf damage, which can be caused by a variety of insects, mites, and other pests.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s eating your tomato leaves, and we’ll provide tips on how to identify and control these pests. We’ll also discuss some cultural practices that can help to protect your tomatoes from damage.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your tomatoes healthy and productive all season long.

Pest Description Control
Tomato hornworm Large, green caterpillars with red horns. Hand-pick and destroy. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Leafminers Small, white larvae that mine tunnels through leaves. Use row covers to protect plants. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Aphids Small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from leaves. Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings to help control aphids.
Squash bugs Brown, shield-shaped insects that suck sap from leaves and stems. Hand-pick and destroy. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies Small, white insects that fly around plants. Use yellow sticky traps to catch whiteflies. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Tomatoes are a popular garden vegetable, but they can be susceptible to a variety of pests that can damage the leaves. These pests can range from small insects to larger animals, and they can all cause significant damage to your tomato plants.

In this article, we will discuss the most common tomato leaf pests, the signs of damage they cause, and how to control them. By understanding the pests that are affecting your tomatoes, you can take steps to protect your plants and keep them healthy.

Common Tomato Leaf Pests

The following are some of the most common tomato leaf pests:

  • Aphids
  • Spider mites
  • Slugs and snails
  • Tomato hornworms
  • Japanese beetles
  • Earwigs
  • Thrips
  • Whiteflies
  • Leaf miners

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are typically green or yellow in color, and they can often be found clustered on the undersides of leaves. Aphids can cause significant damage to tomato plants, as they can suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to wilt and die.

Spider mites

Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that feed on the sap of plants. They are typically red or brown in color, and they can often be found on the undersides of leaves. Spider mites can cause significant damage to tomato plants, as they can suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to wilt and die.

Slugs and snails

Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on a variety of plants, including tomatoes. They are typically gray or black in color, and they can often be found hiding under rocks or in damp areas. Slugs and snails can cause significant damage to tomato plants, as they can eat large holes in the leaves.

Tomato hornworms

Tomato hornworms are large, green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of tomato plants. They are typically about 2 inches long, and they have a distinctive horn-shaped protrusion on their rear end. Tomato hornworms can cause significant damage to tomato plants, as they can eat large holes in the leaves.

Japanese beetles

Japanese beetles are large, metallic green beetles that feed on a variety of plants, including tomatoes. They are typically about 1 inch long, and they have a distinctive orange and black striped pattern. Japanese beetles can cause significant damage to tomato plants, as they can eat large holes in the leaves.

Earwigs

Earwigs are small, brown insects that have pincers on their tails. They are typically about 1 inch long, and they can often be found hiding in dark, damp areas. Earwigs can cause damage to tomato plants by eating the leaves and stems.

Thrips

Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are typically about 1 mm long, and they can often be found on the undersides of leaves. Thrips can cause significant damage to tomato plants, as they can suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to wilt and die.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small, white insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are typically about 1 mm long, and they can often be found on the undersides of leaves. Whiteflies can cause significant damage to tomato plants, as they can suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to wilt and die.

Leaf miners

Leaf miners are small, moth-like insects that lay their eggs on the leaves of plants. The larvae of leaf miners hatch and burrow into the leaves, creating tunnels that damage the plant. Leaf miners can cause significant damage to tomato plants, as they can reduce the amount of photosynthesis that the plant can perform.

Signs of Tomato Leaf Damage

The following are some of the signs that your tomato plants may be infested with pests:

  • Holes in the leaves
  • Yellow or brown leaves
  • Curled leaves
  • Wilted leaves
  • Leaves with a sticky substance
  • Leaves with frass (insect droppings)

Controlling Tomato Leaf Pests

There are a number of ways to control tomato leaf pests, including:

  • Cultural controls: Cultural controls are methods that can be used to prevent pests from becoming a problem in the first place. These include:
  • Planting resistant varieties of tomatoes
  • Rotating crops
  • Watering your plants regularly
  • Pruning your plants to improve air circulation
  • Removing weeds from around your plants
  • Chemical controls: Chemical controls can be used to kill pests that are already present on your plants. These include:
  • Insecticides
  • Miticides
  • Nematocides

What’s Eating My Tomato Leaves?

Tomatoes are a popular garden crop, but they can be susceptible to a variety of pests that can damage the leaves. If you’re seeing holes in your tomato leaves, you’re probably dealing with a pest problem.

Here are some of the most common tomato leaf pests:

  • Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause leaves to wilt and yellow, and they can also spread diseases.
  • Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They can chew holes in tomato leaves, and they can also damage the fruit.
  • Colorado potato beetles are a serious pest of tomatoes in North America. They feed on the leaves, stems, and fruit of tomatoes.
  • Leafhoppers are small, jumping insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause leaves to yellow and wilt.
  • Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on the leaves and fruit of tomatoes. They can leave behind a slimy trail on the leaves.

If you’re dealing with a tomato leaf pest problem, there are a number of things you can do to control them.

How to Control Tomato Leaf Pests

There are a number of ways to control tomato leaf pests, including cultural controls, chemical controls, and biological controls.

Cultural controls are non-chemical methods that can help to reduce the population of tomato leaf pests. These include:

  • Planting resistant varieties. Some tomato varieties are more resistant to certain pests than others. By planting resistant varieties, you can reduce the likelihood of having a pest problem.
  • Practicing good garden sanitation. Keep your garden free of weeds and debris, and remove any diseased plants. This will help to reduce the number of places where pests can hide and breed.
  • Watering your plants at the base. Wet leaves can make it easier for pests to spread diseases. Water your plants at the base to keep the leaves dry.
  • Using row covers. Row covers can help to protect your plants from pests. They can be made of a variety of materials, including plastic, fabric, and netting.
  • Trapping pests. You can trap pests using a variety of methods, including sticky traps, bait traps, and light traps.

Chemical controls can be used to kill tomato leaf pests. These include insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.

Biological controls use natural predators to control pests. These include ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.

When choosing a method of pest control, it’s important to consider the severity of the problem, the cost of the control method, and the environmental impact.

Preventing Tomato Leaf Pests

The best way to deal with tomato leaf pests is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing tomato leaf pests:

  • Plant resistant varieties. Some tomato varieties are more resistant to certain pests than others. By planting resistant varieties, you can reduce the likelihood of having a pest problem.
  • Practice good garden sanitation. Keep your garden free of weeds and debris, and remove any diseased plants. This will help to reduce the number of places where pests can hide and breed.
  • Water your plants at the base. Wet leaves can make it easier for pests to spread diseases. Water your plants at the base to keep the leaves dry.
  • Use row covers. Row covers can help to protect your plants from pests. They can be made of a variety of materials, including plastic, fabric, and netting.
  • Trap pests. You can trap pests using a variety of methods, including sticky traps, bait traps, and light traps.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your tomato plants healthy and free from pests.

Tomato leaf pests can be a nuisance, but they can be controlled with a variety of methods. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your tomato plants healthy and free from pests.

What’s Eating My Tomato Leaves?

There are a number of pests that can damage tomato leaves, including:

  • Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause leaves to wilt and yellow, and can also transmit diseases.
  • Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves. They can cause leaves to become stippled or mottled, and can also stunt plant growth.
  • Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves of plants. They can cause leaves to become brown and distorted.
  • Tomato hornworms are large, green caterpillars that feed on the leaves and stems of tomatoes. They can cause extensive damage to plants, and can even kill young plants.
  • Tomato leaf miners are small, fly-like insects that lay their eggs on tomato leaves. The larvae of these insects tunnel through the leaves, causing them to become scarred and discolored.

How Can I Tell What’s Eating My Tomato Leaves?

The first step in identifying the pest that is damaging your tomato leaves is to carefully inspect the leaves for signs of damage. Look for:

  • Small, round or oval holes in the leaves
  • Brown or yellowing leaves
  • Stippling or mottling of the leaves
  • Webbing on the undersides of the leaves
  • Caterpillars or other insects on the leaves

Once you have identified the pest, you can take steps to control it.

How Can I Control Pests on My Tomatoes?

There are a number of ways to control pests on tomatoes, including:

  • Cultural controls: These include removing weeds from around the plants, watering the plants at the base, and pruning the plants to improve air circulation.
  • Biological controls: These include using beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to prey on pests.
  • Chemical controls: These include using pesticides to kill pests. However, it is important to use pesticides only when necessary, and to follow the label directions carefully.

How Can I Prevent Pests from Damaging My Tomatoes?

The best way to prevent pests from damaging your tomatoes is to take steps to deter them from the start. This includes:

  • Growing tomatoes in a sunny location with good air circulation.
  • Planting tomatoes in well-drained soil.
  • Watering the plants at the base, rather than overhead.
  • Mulching the plants to help keep the soil moist and cool.
  • Pruning the plants to improve air circulation.
  • Rotating crops from year to year.
  • Using row covers to protect the plants from pests.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your tomatoes healthy and pest-free.

In this article, we have discussed the most common pests that eat tomato leaves, as well as the best ways to prevent and treat them. By following these tips, you can help keep your tomato plants healthy and productive.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • Prevention is key. The best way to protect your tomato plants from pests is to practice good garden hygiene and remove any potential food sources for pests.
  • Inspect your plants regularly. This will help you identify pests early on, when they are easier to control.
  • Use the right pest control methods. There are a variety of safe and effective pest control methods available, so you can choose the one that is best for your situation.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of tomatoes this year!

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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