Look at these poor tomatoes. It’s a tragedy...
I’ve shared lots of stories about our plight with RATS here in SoCal; for whatever reason — whether it’s overbuilding or decimation of natural predators — many neighborly conversations are about the growing rodent populations.
Because rats love tomatoes, I use mesh bags to protect my beautiful heirlooms from being vandalized and I check on them daily.
Look at that photo...a rat ate through the bag to ravage a gorgeous tomato that was just beginning to turn color. I harvested the rest of them even though they’re green because I refuse to feed those disgusting, destructive, villainous vermin.
I had anticipated simply slicing the heirlooms to enjoy with homegrown basil. I am so sad; it’s a crime against humanity!
I wondered if it was safe to still eat the mangled tomato if I chopped off a large area around the bite and cleaned it really well, but I learned that it’s not worth the risk of any saliva-borne diseases that may have infected the whole tomato, so I had to toss them out. That was PAINFUL.
Enchanted Seashells | Princess Rosebud 
We have occasional poaching of vegetables and fruit by squirrels and raccoons, and I figure ours environment here is so hostile, I don’t mind sharing. No rats, though. I understand your outrage – and your desire to withhold food. It keeps you from supporting population overgrowth! They expand proportionally to their food supply, after all. I guess rats are the downside of such a supportive climate. Your tomatoes will eventually ripen. Hopefully the basil will still be there when they do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I have friends who have stopped growing vegetables completely because of the rats. Those bags have worked great for other things, but not this particularly determined rodent. They don’t touch the basil, so that’s a relief!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve had to completely rethink my garden due to the rats. Right now, it’s beets and carrots, because they’re underground. My heart is with you, friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally understand. I just got some beet seeds too! It’s so disappointing to put all that effort and love into our garden only to have it destroyed!!
LikeLiked by 1 person