Eggplants are a popular garden vegetable, but they are susceptible to various pests that can significantly reduce yields. Understanding which animals consume eggplants and the damage they cause is important for protecting your harvest.
Common Insect Pests of Eggplant
Several insect species commonly target eggplant plants. Flea beetles, small insects that jump when disturbed, are a concern for young eggplant seedlings. They create numerous tiny, shot-hole-like perforations in leaves, which can severely stunt plant growth and reduce fruit production. Heavy infestations on young plants can be devastating.
Aphids, such as the green peach aphid, are soft-bodied insects that typically cluster on the undersides of leaves and young shoots. They feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking out plant sap, which can cause leaves to yellow, curl, and become deformed. Aphids also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of black sooty mold, further hindering photosynthesis.
Spider mites, particularly the two-spotted spider mite, are tiny arachnids that can rapidly multiply in hot, dry conditions. They feed on the lower leaf surfaces, causing yellow stippling. In severe cases, they produce fine webbing on the foliage, leading to leaf yellowing, browning, and eventual drop.
Colorado potato beetles are another significant pest for eggplants, with both adult beetles and their larvae feeding voraciously on foliage. Adults are recognizable by their yellowish-brown bodies with ten black stripes on their wing covers, while larvae are reddish-orange with black spots. These beetles can quickly defoliate plants, especially young ones, leading to substantial yield loss or plant death if not managed.
Mammals and Birds That Eat Eggplant
Beyond insects, larger animals and birds can also cause considerable damage to eggplant crops. Rabbits are known to chew on the leaves and stems of young eggplant plants, often consuming significant portions close to the ground. Deer, larger herbivores, can browse heavily on eggplant foliage and stems, resulting in ragged tears and consuming entire plants or large sections of a row.
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are destructive burrowing rodents, capable of devouring entire eggplant plants or large garden sections. Their presence is often indicated by burrows near the garden. Squirrels and chipmunks frequently target eggplant fruits, taking entire fruits or leaving partially eaten ones with distinctive gnaw marks. Raccoons, opportunistic foragers, also readily consume accessible eggplant fruits.
Birds can also be problematic, especially as the eggplant fruits begin to ripen. They typically cause damage by pecking at the fruits, creating small holes or gouges, which can then lead to rot or attract other pests.
Identifying the Culprit by Damage Signs
Identifying the pest responsible for eggplant damage involves observing specific signs.
Small, numerous holes on leaves: Flea beetles.
Yellowing, curling leaves with sticky residue or tiny white molts: Aphids.
Fine webbing and yellow stippling: Spider mites.
Large-scale defoliation: Colorado potato beetles (often visible).
Ragged chewing marks on young leaves and stems: Rabbits.
Missing plants or large sections of rows: Deer or groundhogs (check for tracks/burrows).
Partially eaten or missing fruits with gnaw marks: Squirrels or chipmunks.
Peck marks or small holes on ripening fruits: Birds.
Animal droppings or tracks near affected plants also help identify pests.
Protecting Your Eggplants
Implementing a combination of strategies can help protect eggplants from various pests.
Physical barriers are highly effective, such as lightweight row covers placed over young plants to deter flea beetles, aphids, and whiteflies, while still allowing sunlight and water penetration. Ensure the edges of these covers are securely anchored to prevent pests from entering. For larger animals, sturdy fencing can create a barrier against deer, rabbits, and groundhogs, with varying heights and mesh sizes depending on the target animal.
Cultural practices also contribute to pest management. Maintaining good garden hygiene, including removing weeds that can harbor pests, helps reduce pest populations. Crop rotation, avoiding planting eggplants in the same spot where other solanaceous crops like tomatoes or potatoes grew in the previous few years, can disrupt pest life cycles. Companion planting can also be beneficial; plants like marigolds, basil, or nasturtiums can deter certain pests or attract beneficial insects that prey on eggplant pests.
Natural deterrents can offer additional protection. Sprays containing neem oil can disrupt insect feeding and growth. Kaolin clay, when mixed with water and sprayed on plants, creates a particle barrier that can inhibit flea beetles. Some gardeners use homemade sprays with garlic or hot peppers as repellents. For squirrels, providing an alternative food source away from the garden, such as a feeder with nuts and seeds, can sometimes divert their attention from your eggplants.