This article provides practical information about dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) – how to recognise them, where they are found in the UK, how to avoid issues related to their presence, and how to control or remove them from gardens, agricultural land and other outdoor areas.
In the UK, dung beetles are also known as manure beetles, scarab beetles, or dung rollers, depending on species and setting.
What do dung beetles look like?
Dung beetles are compact, robust beetles ranging from 5 to 30 mm in length. Their colouration can be black, dark brown, or even metallic green or bronze. They have short, clubbed antennae, and many species are equipped with strong front legs used for digging and rolling dung. Some have smooth, shiny bodies, while others may appear more textured.
They are often seen rolling dung balls across the ground or burrowing beneath piles of animal droppings. Their behaviour and body shape make them easy to distinguish from other beetles.
Where are dung beetles found in the UK?
Dung beetles are distributed across much of the UK, particularly in rural and pastoral regions. They are closely associated with livestock and wild herbivores, as they depend on dung for food and reproduction.
You are most likely to find dung beetles:
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In pastures and grazing fields
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In and around animal enclosures, stables, and barns
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On farmland with cattle, sheep, or horses
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In moorland and heathland with wild deer or rabbits
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Occasionally in compost heaps containing manure
They are most active from late spring to early autumn and tend to prefer areas with moist, well-drained soil.
Where do dung beetles live and breed?
Dung beetles depend on animal faeces to complete their life cycle. Adult beetles locate fresh dung, feed on it, and use it for nesting. Some species form dung balls and roll them away to bury, while others dig directly beneath dung piles and tunnel into the ground.
They thrive in:
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Grazing land with regular dung deposits
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Soil that is not too compacted or saturated
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Farms where manure is not removed regularly
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Wildlife-rich areas with a steady supply of droppings
Different species follow slightly different behaviours, but all require dung to reproduce.
How do you identify a dung beetle problem?
Dung beetles are generally considered beneficial insects, but in some contexts, they may be seen as a nuisance or disrupt sensitive environments.
Signs of their activity include:
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Dung breaking down or disappearing quickly in paddocks
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Small burrows or tunnels in the soil beneath dung piles
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Beetles flying or crawling around fresh faeces
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Dung balls visible on the soil surface
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Beetles emerging in large numbers in warm weather
While not typically harmful, excessive beetle activity may be undesirable in show grounds, landscaped gardens, or controlled composting systems.
How can you avoid dung beetles becoming a problem?
Preventing dung beetles from becoming overabundant relies on good dung and waste management.
Collect animal waste regularly
In paddocks, stables, and barns, remove dung frequently to prevent beetles from laying eggs and feeding.
Use closed composting systems
Manure should be composted in sealed or covered bins to block beetle access during the decomposition phase.
Avoid using fresh manure in gardens
When fertilising, only apply well-rotted compost or manure to prevent attracting dung beetles.
Manage grazing intensity
Rotational grazing can help distribute dung more evenly and reduce concentrated breeding grounds for beetles.
Keep outdoor areas clean
In domestic settings, clear pet waste promptly to avoid attracting dung-associated insects.
How do you get rid of dung beetles?
Although dung beetles contribute to natural nutrient cycling, there are ways to reduce their numbers if necessary.
Remove and relocate dung promptly
Clearing away fresh dung disrupts the breeding cycle and prevents adult beetles from laying eggs.
Turn over soil in affected areas
Lightly cultivating areas where dung was present can disturb larvae or pupae and prevent them from emerging.
Cover manure and compost piles
If beetles are problematic, store manure under tarps or in sealed containers to eliminate breeding access.
Use physical barriers
Mesh or fleece can be placed over small areas of treated soil or compost to block beetle entry.
Reduce moisture
Dung beetles prefer moist environments. Limiting irrigation or rain exposure around dung piles can make the environment less hospitable.
Encourage natural predators
Birds, foxes, and small mammals may help limit beetle numbers by feeding on adults or larvae.
What is the life cycle of a dung beetle?
Dung beetles undergo complete metamorphosis in four stages:
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Eggs – Laid within or beneath dung, often inside buried dung balls
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Larvae – Feed on dung for several days or weeks, depending on species
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Pupae – Develop in the soil in a protective casing
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Adults – Emerge and begin seeking new dung sources to feed on and reproduce
In the UK climate, one to three generations may occur between late spring and early autumn. Activity slows considerably or stops during winter.
Do dung beetles pose problems in homes or gardens?
Dung beetles do not infest homes, damage structures, or feed on human food. They are not attracted to kitchen waste or compost unless it contains fresh manure. However, in gardens fertilised with animal waste, beetles may temporarily appear.
To reduce their presence:
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Avoid using raw manure in vegetable beds or near patios
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Allow manure to fully compost before use
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Use sealed compost bins for kitchen and garden waste
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Clear pet waste regularly from lawns and paths
Where in the UK are dung beetles most common?
Dung beetles are most common in the lowlands and uplands of England, Wales, and parts of southern Scotland. They are widespread in areas with:
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High livestock density
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Traditional grazing systems
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Semi-natural grasslands, meadows, and heathland
Their presence is closely tied to the availability of dung from cattle, sheep, horses, deer, and other mammals. In some areas, introduced species have become established and may compete with native species. Managing dung responsibly remains the best way to balance their presence in both agricultural and domestic environments.