Families say their homes are being plagued by flies.

Residents at Kings Hill near West Malling fear they may be about to see a repeat of the fly infestation of three years ago when an invasion by thousands of the insects caused such a run on fly-swats and insecticide sprays that the shops ran out.

At the time, the problem was tracked to the Blaise Biogas AD facility at Blaise Farm, an anaerobic digestor plant that processes waste food.

The Environment Agency became involved and after its intervention, the situation improved.

Lisa Greenwood moved to the Lancaster Park estate in July of last year. She said: “There were just loads of flies then.”

“We’ve had flies again this year since around April, and it seems to be getting worse.

“I can’t open my windows unless I put mosquito netting up – and even then some of them still get in. It’s unbearable.”

“We haven’t been able to sit outside at all this summer.

“The other day, I had a contractor working here and he had to leave the front door open - and we were just invaded.”

She said: “It’s not just me – all my neigbours have the same issue.”

Ms Greenwood who lives off Challenger Avenue suspects that Blaise Farm Biogas is again the cause, she said: “It’s only about a quarter of a mile from us.”

She has asked the Environment Agency to investigate.

In the meantime, she has given up using fly traps. She said: “To be honest, they actually seem to attract the flies inside.”

The Environment Agency has a number for people to call about the issue: 0800 807060.

BioConstruct NewEnergy is the company that runs the biogas plant. It said it was not to blame.

Darren Smith is the senior operations manager. He said: “We are happy to convey our strong message of responsibility and care towards environmental and community concerns.

“Blaise Biogas has always taken proactive measures to manage potential fly issues at the facility.”

“We receive limited solid wastes, and these are promptly processed within a sealed system.

“From previous concerns, we understand the flies appear to be mature bluebottles and therefore have taken some seven to 14 days to achieve this size.

“Unlike the In-Vessel Composting facility operated by NewEarth Solutions adjacent to Blaise Biogas, we do not store waste material for extended periods thus avoiding providing the potential breeding ground for insects.

“We adopt a clean floor policy and do not hold material on the floor of the reception building overnight to further minimise the risk.

“We operate a detailed fly management program and a proactive approach to addressing potential fly issues.”

We have an open invitation to residents to visit the site

“This program includes preventive measures, monitoring, and responsive actions if flies are detected.

“All site drainage and sumps are clean thus not allowing any insects to feed off residual materials.

“We undertake seasonal spraying irrespective and install fly bait boxes to evaluate and report on any insect activity around site.

“Pest control contractor undertakes routine site visits in and around the site and the key process areas.

“We remain vigilant as to any fly activity and will treat accordingly through the summer months.

“Our fly management program has been reviewed and approved by the Environment Agency and showcases a commitment to compliance with regulations and environmental standards.

“Regular unannounced site inspections by the Environment Agency demonstrate our transparency and accountability in our efforts to manage flies.

“Our last inspection was on August 9 and showed up no concerns.

“We have an open invitation to residents to visit the site and witness the conditions firsthand.

“We aim to foster trust and allow the community to see the measures in place to mitigate any concerns, should they wish.”

An Environment Agency said: “We have been carrying out routine compliance activity at waste sites in the Kings Hill, Offham and surrounding area.

“The inspection of permitted waste sites ensures they are compliant with their pest control permit conditions, which ensures the prevention and spread of houseflies, their pupae, and their larvae.

“Although there is evidence of fly activity at some of the sites, the numbers appear to be low and we will continue to monitor the situation.”