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Firsby Residents Endure Winter Outbreak of Biting Stable Flies as Council Probes Source

East Lindsey District Council says investigations have not yet identified the cause after the Environment Agency ruled the case outside its remit.

Overview

  • Locals report swarms of stable flies persisting into winter, with painful bites and homes kept shut to keep insects out.
  • Residents link the infestation to a nearby calf‑rearing operation that opened several years ago and has expanded over time.
  • People describe losing use of gardens and outdoor spaces for much of the year, with visitors staying away due to the flies.
  • Pets have been bitten, including a 16‑year‑old dog that needed treatment and may require part of an ear to be amputated.
  • The council says the case remains open as environmental health teams work to trace a source, while the insects’ manure‑based breeding raises infection risks.