California vineyards used owl boxes to attract barn owls, reducing rodent numbers by up to 52%

A new study from California has found that barn owls help vineyards control rodents naturally by both hunting them and making them more cautious. Researchers observed up to 52% fewer rodents in vineyards with more owls. The findings suggest that encouraging barn owls through nest boxes could reduce the need for pesticides while supporting biodiversity and sustainable farming.

By TOI World Desk