Northern Ohio alfalfa & blister beetles

[Boomer]

I've found some hay from Northern Ohio, near Lake Erie (yeah, I know, this isn't a small area) - price is good and hay us 25%CP and kiln dried. Bales are 70-80 pounds.

I searched the internet but haven't found anything about blister beetles in northern Ohio hay, but there are a few articles on them in Southern Ohio.

Anyone know how horse-safe N. Ohio alfalfa is? Or will it more depend on what cutting the hay is and how vigilant I am about checking the flakes before feeding?

[McVillesMom]

FWIW, I've lived in Ohio my whole life (both northern-ish and southern) and I can never remember blister beetles being a big concern in this area. Not to say that it's impossible, but I think they tend to be a lot more of an issue south of here.

[Tamara in TN]

[QUOTE]

they can be anywhere the ground does not stay frozen half the winter...but they prefer the flowers of full bloom and grasshopper larvae...

best

[quicksilverponies]

Well I am up here next to Lake Erie, and I can guarantee that the ground stays frozen for MORE than 50% of the winter, sadly:(. I am going on my 7th winter living up here and have never had any problems with beetles or other bugs in the hay. In fact, one of the few perks I have discovered of living up here at the North Pole is the small number of bugs we have to deal with throughout the year.