Insect Week 2026

This week marks Insect Week 2026, organised by the Royal Entomological Society and supported by partner organisations across the UK and Europe. The annual event celebrates the fascinating world of insects and highlights the vital roles they play in our environment and ecosystems.

For horse owners, one group of insects deserves particular recognition, our wonderful dung beetles. These remarkable insects work tirelessly behind the scenes, helping to keep our grazing land healthy and productive.

Dung beetles are nature's recycling team. They feed on and bury animal dung, providing a range of benefits for pastures and the wider environment. Some key facts about dung beetles include:

🐞 A single dung beetle can bury its own weight in dung many times over during its lifetime.

🐞 They help break down manure more quickly and remove parasite eggs before your horse ingests them

🐞 Their tunnelling activity improves soil structure, helping water and air move through the soil more effectively.

🐞 They recycle valuable nutrients back into the ground, supporting healthy grass growth.

The UK is home to more than 60 species of dung beetle and good grazing management can make a significant difference to thier populations. While regular poo-picking has many benefits for pasture management, leaving fresh dung in selected areas undisturbed for up to 48 hours, can provide habitat and food for dung beetles, while still reducing parasite risk.

Dung beetles may be small, yet their contribution to pasture health is enormous. By supporting these beneficial insects, we can help improve soil quality, encourage biodiversity and promote more sustainable grazing systems. Pastures with a variety of grasses and plants also tend to support a wider range of insects and wildlife. Try to avoid overgrazing as a healthy swards provide better conditions for soil organisms, insects and the wildlife that depends on them.

Some worming products can affect dung beetles and other beneficial invertebrates when residues pass through the horse, into dung and onto the land. A targeted approach to parasite control, based on testing and evidence, can help minimise unnecessary treatments while supporting pasture biodiversity. 

Throughout Insect Week, we'll be sharing additional videos and practical advice on our social media channels and YouTube channel, including ways that horse owners can support dung beetles and other important insects on their land.

Look out for more content and join us in celebrating the dung beetle that help keep our pastures healthy every day!