Mosquitoes are multiplying by the thousands in the wake of the worst flooding in Suwannee County in at least a decade. Spraying is one option, but the cost is too high, Suwannee County Commission Chairman Jesse Caruthers said Tuesday.

“The population is so spread out (and the floodwaters so widespread), there’s no way the county can pay for that,” he said.

Another option is to ask state emergency officials for help. The county did so yesterday, by letter. It’s hoped that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will pick up the tab. A response is expected soon.

Caruthers’ comments came after an emergency commission meeting called to extend the local state of emergency until June 2.