This article provides clear information about dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) – how to identify them, where they occur in North America, how to prevent their presence, and how to remove or control them in and around agricultural settings, homes, and gardens.
In North America, dung beetles are also referred to as manure beetles, scarab beetles, or dung rollers, depending on species and context.
What do dung beetles look like?
Dung beetles are sturdy, oval-shaped beetles ranging in size from 5 to 30 mm. Their colour varies from black and dark brown to metallic green or bronze. They have short, clubbed antennae, and many species possess strong front legs designed for digging and rolling. Some species are smooth and shiny, while others appear more textured or hairy.
These beetles are often observed rolling balls of dung away from fresh manure piles or burrowing beneath droppings. Their body shape and behaviour make them easy to distinguish from other beetles.
Where are dung beetles found in North America?
Dung beetles are widespread across North America, particularly in rural and agricultural areas. They are most commonly found in regions with livestock and wildlife activity, where manure is present on the ground.
They are commonly encountered:
-
In pastures, grasslands, and livestock enclosures
-
Near compost piles or manure heaps
-
Around barns, stables, and feedlots
-
In open fields or natural meadows
-
Occasionally near garden compost if animal waste is present
Dung beetles are especially active in warm, humid conditions during spring, summer, and early autumn. In colder regions, their activity slows during winter.
Where do dung beetles live and breed?
Dung beetles rely entirely on animal waste for food and reproduction. Adults are attracted to fresh manure, where they feed and lay their eggs. Some species roll dung balls and bury them as breeding chambers, while others tunnel directly beneath the droppings.
They thrive in:
-
Areas with consistent availability of fresh dung
-
Livestock farms with cattle, horses, goats, or sheep
-
Wildlife-rich environments with access to droppings from deer, bison, and other animals
-
Moist, well-drained soils ideal for digging
Depending on species, the dung beetle’s life cycle can last from a few weeks to several months.
How do you identify a dung beetle infestation?
Most dung beetles are considered beneficial insects, but in certain settings, they may become a nuisance or outcompete native species.
Signs of dung beetle activity include:
-
Dung disappearing unusually fast in pastures
-
Small tunnels or disturbed soil beneath manure piles
-
Beetles rolling dung balls or flying around fresh droppings
-
Presence of adult beetles in compost areas or garden beds
-
Clusters of beetles emerging during warm afternoons
While dung beetles do not harm plants or structures, their numbers may be problematic in managed settings like show farms or controlled compost operations.
How do you prevent dung beetles from becoming a problem?
Dung beetles are naturally attracted to dung, so prevention relies on reducing access to fresh waste or managing its distribution.
Regularly collect and manage manure
In horse paddocks, cattle yards, or stables, remove manure frequently to limit breeding opportunities. Compost manure in covered or enclosed systems.
Store compost properly
Keep compost that contains manure in sealed bins or under tarps. This prevents beetles from accessing dung sources.
Avoid over-fertilising with raw manure
Applying fresh manure directly to gardens or fields can attract dung beetles. Use only well-composted material when fertilising.
Restrict access to droppings in sensitive areas
In areas where beetle activity is undesirable (e.g., landscaped lawns or vegetable gardens), promptly clean up pet waste and avoid spreading manure.
How do you get rid of dung beetles?
While many dung beetles are beneficial for nutrient cycling and manure breakdown, they may need to be controlled in certain high-traffic or specialised environments.
Remove dung quickly and consistently
The most effective way to control dung beetles is to eliminate their primary food source. Frequent manure removal prevents egg-laying and reduces larval development.
Apply soil disturbance
Raking or lightly tilling areas where dung has been present can destroy developing larvae and pupae in the soil.
Use covered composting systems
For operations that handle manure, shift to closed or in-vessel composting systems that limit beetle access and eliminate breeding sites.
Install physical barriers
In sensitive locations such as garden beds, placing netting or ground covers over manure-amended soil may deter beetles from entering and laying eggs.
Limit watering near dung deposits
Moisture enhances beetle activity. Keeping dung and surrounding areas as dry as possible discourages beetle presence and slows larval development.
Biological competition and timing
Some beetle populations decline naturally with seasonal changes or increased presence of predators like birds and reptiles. Monitor for natural control and adjust timing of manure spreading accordingly.
What is the life cycle of a dung beetle?
The life cycle of dung beetles varies by species and climate but typically includes four stages:
-
Eggs – Laid in or beneath dung, often inside dung balls rolled and buried by adults
-
Larvae – Feed on dung material inside the chamber for 1–3 weeks
-
Pupae – Develop in a protected casing within the soil
-
Adults – Emerge and begin seeking fresh manure to feed on and reproduce
In warmer climates, several generations of dung beetles may occur in a single season. Some species may overwinter as larvae or pupae in the soil.
Are dung beetles harmful in homes or gardens?
Dung beetles do not infest homes, structures, or stored food. They do not bite or sting and are not attracted to human waste. However, in garden settings, they may appear if compost or manure is freshly applied. Their presence is temporary and typically harmless unless large numbers interfere with specific plantings or composting processes.
To reduce their presence in domestic settings:
-
Avoid using fresh manure near patios, lawns, or decorative beds
-
Compost animal waste thoroughly before application
-
Keep pet waste cleared from lawns and pathways
-
Use sealed compost bins for kitchen scraps and garden waste
Where do dung beetles occur in North America?
Dung beetles are found throughout North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are most abundant in temperate and subtropical zones where livestock farming is common, but they are also present in forested regions, prairies, and arid landscapes.
Their distribution is influenced by:
-
Availability of dung from livestock or wildlife
-
Soil type (preferably loose and well-drained)
-
Regional climate, especially temperature and rainfall
-
Land use patterns such as grazing intensity and pasture rotation
Both native and introduced dung beetle species are active across the continent, playing key roles in nutrient cycling and manure management. In some cases, introduced species have displaced native beetles, creating imbalances in local ecosystems. For landowners or gardeners dealing with persistent beetle presence, adjusting waste management practices is the most reliable control strategy.