Hay infested with blister beetles can harm, kill horses, veterinarian warns

While there are likely many small bugs trapped in hay during the baling process, one of these can prove deadly to your horses.

Blister beetles are a group of plant-feeding insects attracted to the flowers in alfalfa or other blooming plants in the hay field.

Typically they crawl out of the hay during the drying process. However, if the hay is crimped prior to drying (to reduce the days needed to dry the hay) they may be killed and trapped in the hay during baling. Beetles may also be killed by tractor tires or the cutting/mowing process.

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