SWARMS of common house flies are infesting homes in Caerphilly county borough, prompting an investigation by Natural Resources Wales.

Homes across the Cwmcarn area have been affected, with flies causing disturbed sleep, contaminating food and leaving elderly residents fearful to open their windows.

Many residents have taken to tackling the problem head on, squishing up to 30 flies across the course of a day and catching the pests in sticky traps.

For mum-of-three Rachel Clarke, 34, of George Street, the flies are more than an annoyance and started coming into her house last month.

“They’re always buzzing round and you can’t leave food out. I left the hob while boiling potatoes once and when I returned there were flies just lying on the top.”

Judith James, 68, of Twyncarn Court, added: “It’s just a constant and is very concerning. We’re afraid to even open our own windows.”

Richie Young, 76, recalled coming home to hundreds of flies filling five sticky traps while 60-year-old Gary Dent, of Chapel Farm Terrace believes the problem has been going on since last winter.

“I have lived here for 60 years and have never experienced anything like it,” he said.

Several people have also shared their pictures on Facebook, suggesting that the source of flies could stem from food waste disposal.

On Monday, May 23, a joint investigation was carried out by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s environmental health team and Natural Resources Wales.

They assessed GLJ Recycling Ltd in Cwmcarn and the surrounding areas and confirmed that “they have not seen any evidence that the site is source of infestation.”

NRW industry and waste regulation team leader, Caroline Drayton said: “The officers were able to verify that the flies are not originating from the site run by GLJ Recycling Ltd.”

“Caerphilly County Borough Council is investigating other potential sources of flies in the area,” she added.