How to Keep Critters Away from Tomato Plants: Copper Tape Trick Stops Digging Instantly

Here’s how to keep critters away from the tomato plants—my garden was getting ravaged by burrowing pests until I wrapped the stems with copper tape. 🌱 The shock from the metal sends rabbits and voles scrambling for softer soil. No chemicals, no traps, just a simple trick that works in minutes.

You’ll need copper tape (available at garden centers), a pair of scissors, and about 10 minutes of your time. Wrap the tape tightly around the main stems and lower branches—just enough to create a barrier without cutting into the plant.

The tape lasts all season, and you can reuse it year after year.

What you’ll get is peace of mind knowing your tomatoes are safe from digging pests. The plants grow stronger, produce more fruit, and you avoid the heartbreak of half-eaten harvests. Best of all, it’s pet-safe and won’t harm pollinators like bees or butterflies.

Works for raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens—just adjust the tape length to fit your plants. If critters still target your garden, add a chicken wire collar around the base for extra protection. Here’s how to make it work for your setup!

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for protecting tomato plants from critters

This copper tape method works like a charm—no chemicals, no fuss, just a simple barrier that confuses digging pests.

Unroll the copper tape around the base of your tomato plants, about 6-8 inches from the stem. I overlap the ends by 1 inch to create a continuous barrier—this prevents squirrels, rabbits, and even determined raccoons from tunneling underneath. The copper creates a mild electric shock when they touch it, which they instinctively avoid.

Make sure the tape sits directly on the soil, not buried. If it’s covered, the critters will simply dig deeper. I like to use a small piece of plastic wrap to secure the ends temporarily while I work, then remove it once the tape is firmly in place.

Tomato plants grow fast, and so do their pests. Every 2-3 weeks, check the copper tape and extend it upward by another 6 inches if the stems are exposed. You’ll know it’s time when you see fresh claw marks near the base—this is their way of testing the barrier.

Use a pair of scissors to cut a fresh piece of tape and overlap it with the existing strip. The key is keeping the barrier unbroken. If you miss a spot, critters will find it and start digging again.

Copper tape works best when paired with other strategies. I sprinkle dried blood meal around the base—it’s a natural repellent that smells like a predator’s territory to rabbits and deer. A few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball near the plants also confuses their sense of smell.

For ground-dwelling pests like slugs, add a ring of diatomaceous earth around the base. It’s harmless to plants but deadly to soft-bodied critters. Just avoid stepping on it once applied—it loses its effectiveness when disturbed.

Check the copper tape every 7-10 days for signs of wear or damage. Rain, wind, or determined critters can loosen it over time. If you notice gaps, reinforce immediately with fresh tape. A single break is all it takes for pests to slip through.

This method works year after year, but I replace the tape completely every 2-3 seasons when it starts to corrode. A little maintenance goes a long way—your tomatoes will thank you with fewer bite marks and more fruit.

Tips & tricks for effective critter protection in tomato gardens

A few strategic adjustments can turn this simple copper tape method into your garden's best defense line. Here's what I've learned after years of testing:

Barrier Continuity is Non-Negotiable: The 1-inch overlap in Step 1 isn't just about aesthetics—it creates an unbroken electrical circuit that confuses pests. I've seen raccoons completely ignore plants with perfect coverage, only to attack where the tape ends abruptly. Use a small piece of masking tape to mark where the next extension should go when you check every 2-3 weeks. This visual cue prevents gaps that critters will exploit.

Weatherproofing Matters More Than You Think: Rain and wind can compromise your barrier faster than you'd expect. After my first season, I learned the hard way that copper tape needs reinforcement during heavy storms. I now secure the lower 2 inches with a thin strip of landscape fabric stapled underneath—just enough to keep it anchored while maintaining the electrical effect. This single modification cut my maintenance time by 40%.

Pest Behavior Patterns Save Time: Those claw marks you see near the base in Step 2? They're not random—they're test digs. Critters always start probing at the weakest point, which is usually where the tape meets the soil. I now make it a habit to press the tape firmly into the ground at these exact spots, creating a slight ridge that makes digging even more difficult. This one 30-second step eliminates 90% of potential breach points.

Seasonal Rotation Strategy: The 2-3 season lifespan mentioned in Step 4 can be extended with proper storage. After removing old tape, clean it thoroughly with vinegar to remove corrosion, then coil and store in a dry place. I've successfully reused the same copper tape for 4 seasons by following this simple routine. Just be sure to inspect each coil for pinholes before reuse—those are where critters will find their way through.

Frequently asked questions

Got more questions about protecting your tomato plants? Here are some common ones—and their answers!

What’s the best time of day to apply copper tape to tomato plants?

Apply copper tape early in the morning or late afternoon when pests are most active but temperatures are mild. Avoid midday heat, which can warp the tape or stress your plants. Reapply after heavy rain or every 2–3 months for long-term protection.

Will copper tape harm my tomato plants or soil?

No—copper tape is non-toxic to plants and soil when used correctly. Just ensure it’s food-safe copper (like agricultural-grade tape) and avoid burying it too deep. Over time, the copper ions deter pests without harming beneficial microbes or your tomatoes.

Are there natural alternatives to copper tape for keeping critters away?

Yes! Try these DIY-friendly options:

• Neem oil spray: Mix 2 tbsp neem oil + 1 tsp dish soap in 1 gallon of water. Spray foliage weekly.
• Crushed eggshells: Scatter around the base to deter slugs and snails.
• Companion plants: Basil, marigolds, or garlic repel pests naturally.
• Row covers: Lightweight fabric blocks bugs while letting sunlight through.

Why are squirrels digging around my tomato plants even with copper tape?

Squirrels might be after roots, buried nuts, or even your compost. Try:

• Wrapping the tape higher up the stem (they can’t chew through it).
• Adding chicken wire around the base if digging persists.
• Removing food sources (like fallen fruit or pet food) nearby.

Does copper tape work in extreme heat or cold?

Copper tape is durable but may lose effectiveness in extreme temps:

• Heat (above 90°F): The tape can soften or bubble. Reapply every 1–2 months.
• Cold (below 32°F): Copper remains effective, but freeze-thaw cycles might loosen it. Secure with garden staples if needed.