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.