Turning off the pfblockerng service does

Leave it on. With the default settings. With no feeds what so ever.
Now you have the same config as I have, and the same as the author has. he wouldn't release it if it would explode the usage of certain( lighttpd ) processes.
All will be fine - guaranteed.

Now, add your feeds - your config, step .... by ... step...... and test a lot.
As soon as you see strange things, like lighttpd going haywire, undo that step - reboot, drink cofee, take a break, and test that step ones more.
Still a no go ?
Detail your step on the forum : you'll be having something that can be reproduced. That's worth a lot !
If you find something : do not forget to detail your entire setup without omitting anything.

Btw : You could even disable lighttpd, as it only servers a 1 by 1 pixel in most times (I guess, never tried it).

@gabacho4 said in lighttpd taking > 30% cpu:

Is there really only a couple of us having this issue?

Just you ;)
tazmo resolved the issue by putting things in place. A reboot is rarely needed, but it never hurts.

Bob