Lawmakers find bipartisan support for eradicating mosquitoes

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — After rainfall and floods of almost biblical proportions, South Carolina is seeing a plague of mosquitoes. Now, lawmakers from both parties agree exterminating them must be a top priority — even if it means spending actual money.

There’s bipartisan support for killing the tiny bloodsuckers that have been tormenting residents following last month’s historic rainfall. Lawmakers say they want the federal government to pay for the anti-mosquito campaign, but if it doesn’t they said the state should consider picking up the tab.

Lawmakers also say they’re concerned about the potential health risks and note that rural areas can’t afford the hefty $1.5 million per-county estimate for aerial spraying.

Kim Stenson with the state’s Emergency Management Division says it’s highly unlikely the federal government will cover the cost of killing mosquitoes.