Dung Beetles; Canberra’s unconventional solution to handling dog poo

Hi Philomena, I’m not sure I understand your question! If you’d like to elaborate I’d be happy to help.

Gemma Thomson I meant dung beatles take some time….

This is nothing like that and we have none of those problems with dung beetles ☺

For now.

Hannah, I get your concern. Cane toads are an environmental catastrophe.

The thing about dung beetles is they are actually a single food source species. They are not venomous or poisonous and only feed on the poop that they bury. They don’t feed on native species poop so pose no risk to native species.

Yes it is now to get Julie 😂

I have been using (two) pet poo composters for nearly two years and they work well, even during winter. I also walk with a friend who picks up dog poo output at the beginning of our walks, stashes the bag by a tree, then WITHOUT FAIL collects the bag on our return!

Chele Forest, with the lid closed, it doesn’t smell at all. I have two greyhounds and an Italian greyhound, which is why I have two – one in active use, the other ‘percolating’ in peace. Now, despite the presence of bundles of worms, I’m finding that the worms aren’t really carting the poo off into the soil. In time, however, I do get a product that I mix with my other compost sources and apply to the garden That bit (forking it out and mixing) does smell a bit, but not for long. Overall, less work than my previous dog poo worm farm, which is why I persist. And more attractive to look at! All in all, I’ve been composting/worm farming dog poo for 14 years!

Jenny Hutchison I have been told not to put dog poo in composter just after dogs have been given worming meds. Have you found this a problem, ie earthworms die too?

Jenny I’m interested in the poo farm can you direct me in the right place? I’ve 3 cats, 1. Wet active working dog kelpie. I’ve always mixed the duck/goose/chook poop thru the compost and straw into the gardens but never heard of the other. What about the fact they eat meat does that affect it? And the litter which obviously sticks to cat poop does it have to be a certain one. Sorry for all the questions just genuinely interested

Australia has 500 native dung beetle species.

Hi Jen the CSIRO introduced the species we use in the late 50’s in an incredibly successful program. Native dung beetles evolved with our native species and won’t bury introduced species dung. When you introduce an animal that poops, you have to bring an appropriate dung beetle too otherwise the poo will sit out and breed flies. They’re like natures nappies – you don’t want to leave home without them.

Thanks Gemma, I couldn’t have said it better. So are there any beetles that will roll dog do. I don’t imagine any beetle no matter how good will be able to keep up with the amounts in dog parks. Or are you supposed to carry the beetles around with you and drop them on it.

Carrying them around with you is obviously not the intended use. You could talk to your local dog park about getting dung beetles though.

Peter McDonald yes, there are species that happily clean up after dogs. It’s a requirement for people to pick up after their dogs in public. Given how expensive it is to change legislation, we have focused on providing beetles for at home use. But a trial in appropriate spaces like our fenced dog parks is absolutely on the cards if the appetite is right.