Holes in tomato leaves: causes and what to do

Small, scattered holes in tomato leaves are almost always flea beetles. Large, ragged holes or missing leaf sections are usually tomato hornworm caterpillars. The good news: tomatoes tolerate substantial leaf damage without yield loss, per most Extension research. The diagnostic

Holes in tomato leaves are a common mid-season sighting, and the size and pattern of the holes narrow down the cause quickly. Some are urgent; most aren't.

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Cause 1: Flea beetles (most common, usually minor)

Flea beetles (Epitrix spp.) are tiny, jumping beetles that create small, round to irregular holes, 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter, across the entire leaf surface. Per Penn State Extension, "flea beetles create a characteristic 'shot-hole' damage pattern — many small holes scattered across leaves."

How to identify: The beetles are very small (1/16 inch), dark, and jump like fleas when disturbed. They feed during the day.

When it matters: Per Penn State Extension, "flea beetle damage to established tomato plants is typically cosmetic and does not warrant treatment." The seedling and transplant stage is when flea beetles are most damaging — small plants with heavily shot-holed leaves can be set back.

How to manage:

• For transplants, floating row cover until plants establish provides effective protection
• Kaolin clay sprayed on foliage repels flea beetles by physical deterrence
• Spinosad is effective for heavy infestations on small plants per Penn State Extension
• For established plants producing fruit, no treatment is typically needed