As the battle against mosquitoes continues to rage, Sycamore residents will have to fight the pesky summer nuisances without help from the city this year.

After researching the advantages of spraying larval development sites and residential subdivisions, Sycamore decided not to hire a private contractor to spray the city. Until about eight years ago, Sycamore paid for an annual “fogging” service, which cost the city about $16,000 to $20,000 per year.

“We have an urgent need for mosquito control, and I would specifically suggest fogging as DeKalb city is doing tomorrow,” said Sycamore resident Chandra Swedlow, 314 E. Elm St. “I believe there are significant dangers in not addressing this issue. First and foremost, we all know of West Nile virus. Mosquitoes also carry other diseases.”

Concerning DeKalb’s decision to spray, Sycamore City Manager Bill Nicklas said, “Sometimes it’s easier to say yes then no.”

“We are in a mostly rural environment here and surrounded by tens of thousands of acres of farmland, which is very soggy due to recent flooding,” Nicklas said. “The floodwater mosquitoes that are the most pesky right now, and have the sharpest bites it seems, are also populating all those area farmlands.”

Nicklas said the mosquitoes can be wind-born up to about eight to ten miles.

“In that circumstance, the fogging of a number of subdivision streets, whether random or by some type of order, may do some good overnight,” Nicklas said. “But the next morning, the cousins will be there and the cousins of them and so forth.”

The city recommends people take control of their immediate environments including any areas around their homes where mosquitoes may breed. Bird baths and areas near downspouts where water collects are key areas. Home improvement centers also sell small fogging devices for personal use.

Also covered at the meeting was the option of low-interest loans. These loans will be provided by the Office of Illinois State Treasurer through the Opportunity Illinois Program to qualifying storm victims in DeKalb County.

According to a press release from the Illinois State Treasurer, residents must secure the loan at a bank or financial institution that participates in the State’s linked deposit program.

The Sycamore Fire Department also swore in a new full-time firefighter, Andy Powers. Witnessing the event was Powers’ grandfather, Terry Morris, a retired lieutenant of the Sycamore Fire Department.