Question
what kind of worm or bug puts a little hole in nearly ripe tomatoes that just about ready to pick?

Answer
Ray, these worms are referred to as hornworms. Tomato hornworms are actually small caterpillars that chew holes in the leaves and fruit of tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes.  Their young larvae are white but they eventually mature into a deep green that blends in with the foliage making them hard to detect.

You can control them by hand-picking them or using an organic control called BT (bacillus thuringiensis) commonly sold under the product name Dipel or MVP.  BT is non-toxic to humans, pets, and the environment, and can be applied right up to the time you harvest. You can purchase these products at a local garden center or through an on-line catalog such as Gardens Alive at:

http://www.gardensalive.com

I would recommend rotating your crop next year to prevent future generations of these insects from infesting next year抯 crop.  Also, be sure to thoroughly till the garden every fall to destroy pupae, the offspring of the tomato worm.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike