California vineyards used owl boxes to attract barn owls, reducing rodent numbers by up to 52% | TheBriefWire
California vineyards used owl boxes to attract barn owls, reducing rodent numbers by up to 52%
Published 2 August 2026 ยท us
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
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.
Published: August 2, 2026 โข 5:00 PM IST ยท Updated: August 2, 2026 โข 5:32 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
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.