Biting 'Ballykelly bugs' are back causing havoc, locals claim

Mosquitoes which were responsible for plaguing locals in Ballykelly last year are said to have returned to the area.

The insects, nicknamed the ‘Ballykelly bugs’, dominated the headlines last October after hundreds of residents came forward to report bites on their arms and legs which they said caused intense itching and pain.

A council investigation concluded that the bites may have been caused by mosquitoes, which they said are a ‘type common to the UK that are not known to transmit disease’. 

Now, a year later, residents have again claimed that the bugs are back causing havoc.

In an anonymous post on the community Facebook page ‘Ballykelly’, one resident stated: “The Ballykelly bugs are out in full course. It's absolutely ridiculous, there has to be something someone can do.”

The person claimed that they were going to refer the matter to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s environmental health team before someone ‘ends up seriously unwell from these bites’.

The post has raised concern from other residents who have also reported bites in recent days.

“My daughter had three bites just in the last hour that have come out, they don’t always present at the time though. It’s while our wains can’t go out and play in peace and especially at this time of year when it gets dark so early it’s so important to let them out,” the local mum said.

Another woman claimed she ended up seeking medical attention for her bites.

“I moved here last year and got bitten constantly, I ended up in A&E twice and constantly with my doctor for antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines and creams for the bites, I contacted environmental health and they said they couldn't use insecticides because they would affect the eco-system,” she said.

Others however believe that people living in the area need to accept that the bugs are here to stay.

“You live beside a forest and farmland, get used to it or move is the realistic options.  It’s always going to be the same so save your post for next year as it's going to happen again and again,” the man stated.

“Unfortunately nothing can be done. Bugs have a right to live outside,” added another person.

Sinn Féin Councillor Dermot Nicholl also contributed to the online conversation saying: “I've spoken with environmental health in council and they are telling me this happened around this time last year.

“What seems to be happening is with the mild weather mosquitoes are coming out of hibernation and as a result are looking for food hence why they are biting people and animals. I've been told the bites shouldn't be dangerous but people should as a precaution apply repellent cream or spray.

“Hopefully this will only last until the weather gets a bit colder and the mosquitoes go back into hibernation,” he added.