STILLWATER, Okla. – Some Oklahoma horse owners are fighting an incursion of blister beetles that have moved into their facilities from the alfalfa fields, Oklahoma State University Extension experts said.

“Consistent periods of hot, dry weather with intermittent rainfall can lead to increased blister beetle populations, and that is just what Oklahoma experienced in June,” said Justin Talley, OSU Extension entomologist. “The source of these blister beetles can be from hay but most likely are native blister beetles attracted to broadleaf weeds that could be blooming near the horse barn or other...