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Cornwall Village Battling Insect Swarm
14 Aug
Summary
- Summer evenings have become a battleground due to an insect explosion.
- A newly created wetland is suspected as the cause of the insect increase.
- Authorities are working to identify the insect species and find solutions.
Residents in the riverside village of Calstock, Cornwall, are facing a significant increase in biting insects. Summer evenings have been described as a "battleground" by locals, with an "explosion" of pests making outdoor life unbearable. The issue appears to have escalated since the Environment Agency created a wetland in 2021 on the River Tamar. This project, intended to protect the village from flooding and adapt to climate change, is now suspected by villagers to be a breeding ground for the insects. The problem has reportedly worsened annually since the wetland's completion, with significant bites occurring during events held near the area. Calstock Parish Council is cooperating with the Environment Agency and UK Health Security Agency to deploy traps. This collaborative effort aims to identify the specific insect species causing the problem and to develop effective solutions for the affected community.
