The Unsung Heroes of Your Paddock

I’ll admit it — I get a little thrill when I spot dung beetles while poo-picking (I should probably get out more!). To most people they’re just tiny insects scuttling about, but in reality, they’re powerhouse workers, quietly keeping your paddock’s ecosystem in balance.

These little beetles aren’t just moving muck around for fun. When dung beetles bury horse poo into the soil, they’re doing several incredibly valuable jobs at once:

• Fertilising the ground: nutrients from the dung are recycled back into the soil.

• Improving soil structure: their tunnelling mixes organic matter deep down.

• Aerating the soil: creating little channels for air and water, which in turn supports stronger, healthier grass growth.

In short, they’re like tiny field managers working overtime — for free.

Why Wormers Are a Problem

Here’s the downside: modern wormers don’t just target parasites inside your horse, they can also harm dung beetles when they pass out in manure. That means every time you blanket-worm “just in case,” you could be damaging one of nature’s most effective soil-care teams.

This is why Faecal Worm Egg Counts (FWECs) are so important. By testing first, you only worm when it’s genuinely needed. Not only does this protect dung beetle populations, it also slows down the development of wormer resistance and helps keep your horse’s gut microbes in balance. Win-win-win.

Rethinking Your Poo-Picking Routine

Here’s a tip that might surprise you: daily poo-picking isn’t always best. Dung beetles prefer fresh droppings and lose interest after about 48 hours. By picking up every 2–3 days instead of religiously every day, you give the beetles a chance to do their work. The result? Healthier soil, happier beetles, and — ironically — less worm risk in the long run because the beetles are helping to break up and bury parasite eggs.

The Bottom Line

Next time you spot a dung beetle rolling off with a piece of horse muck, give them a nod of thanks. They’re part of a healthy ecosystem that keeps your pasture thriving, your soil nourished, and your worm control more sustainable.

It’s not just about poo-picking; it’s about working with nature’s clean-up crew. And once you start noticing these incredible little creatures, you’ll realise they’re one of the best signs your field is in good health.