How to deter squirrels and other rodents from eating tomatoes?

Try mothballs. May work.

I mix 1 cup of hot peppers with 1 gal. of hot water, let sit a few days and spray on plants in the evening after the sun goes down. They don't like it. Or use cheap red pepper powder.

fake owls and pie pans hung up so they blow in the breeze

I just bought a fake owl to put in my garden. But I did it mainly because I don't want the birds to get my tomatoes. If you are having problems with squirrels and other small animals, I recommend spreading shredded Irish Spring bar soap in your garden. You can shred them on a box grater or even a food processor. Animals hate the smell of the soap. Hope this helps you. Good luck.

Try sprinkling soap shaving- they'll leave once they get a mouthful!