Calstock continues to be plagued by bugs, with many avoiding the riverside and wetlands.

It’s been an ongoing issue for residents in recent years, as biting insects swarm the waterside – and the consistent heatwaves this summer have not helped.

Some locals have also raised concerns about the nearby water treatment plant potentially contributing to the problem, but it’s not known if this has anything to do with the influx of insects.

After being bitten, one woman said” “I ended up on antibiotics last year, and the years before.”She’s one of many people to be affected.

Another resident started a petition– ‘Investigate and address Calstock biting insect problem’, which has been shared far and wide – which has been signed by 605 people.

Part of the petition reads: “This is not a minor inconvenience. Many people in Calstock are being badly bitten, avoiding outdoor areas, keeping windows shut in hot weather, and feeling unable to enjoy the village, riverfront and surrounding areas properly.”

The Calstock Parish Council reported on its website that they’ve been approached by a medical entomologist from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to support a Snapshot Wetland Mosquito Survey in the area.

Calstock Parish Council added (on its website): “This follows recent reports of the seasonal biting insects within Calstock village. The survey is part of a broader project looking at mosquito species occurring in wetlands across the country.

“To assist with this work, a member of our Environment and Climate Emergency Group will be setting up three mosquito traps in different parts of Calstock, including the wetlands and the centre of the village. These traps will be deployed over several days at intervals through July, August and September.”

The survey will “help identify the mosquito and midge species present locally”, including “the biting midge that is a problem in the community”, the council explained.

Samples will be sent to a UKHSA laboratory for identification, once accurate information is logged, it “will give us a clear starting point and reduce speculation about the cause of the biting”, Calstock Parish Council added.