Did you know ducks are great at pest control?

Chinese farmers have used ducks for pest control in rice paddies since the 3rd century BC [1]. Today, we call this Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Ducks have also been used for pest control In Europe since medieval times. This practice still continues, for example in South African vineyards [2].
 

Ducks like to feed on pests such as snails, slugs, and insects which can damage crops. By letting ducks forage in fields, farmers can reduce pest populations. In addition, ducks provide other benefits, including tilling and fertilizing the soil [3].