Spotlight on Health
In Vermont, mosquitoes may be carrying viruses that cause diseases like West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) or Jamestown Canyon virus. The best way to prevent getting sick is by preventing mosquito bites.
Mosquito season begins in spring, but the risk for disease is highest in the summer months. The risk is lower when temperatures are below 60 degrees and mosquitoes are less active. Mosquito bites continue to be a risk until the first hard frost.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
- Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors at dawn and dusk.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent labeled as effective against mosquitoes. Apply repellent when you are going to be outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Cover baby carriages or outdoor playpens with mosquito netting.
- Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to doors and windows.
- Get rid of standing water outside your home.
Control Mosquitoes at Home
Remove Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water that lasts more than four days. To reduce the number of mosquitoes around your house, get rid of standing water:
- Dispose of, or regularly empty, any metal cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, and other water holding containers (including trash cans) on your property.
- Dispose of, or regularly empty, discarded tires.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors so water can drain out.
- Clean clogged roof gutters of leaves and debris that prevent drainage of rainwater.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Change bird bath water every three to four days.
- Aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
- Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated.
- Remove standing water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
Kill Mosquito Larvae
- Use larvicides to treat large bodies of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out. Larvicides come in the form of dunks, bits, tablets, pellets, granules, briquettes, and liquids. When using larvicides, always follow label instructions.
Health Officer
By law, every town and city in Vermont has a local board of health. The local board of health consists of the town health officer and town selectboard. The duties and responsibilities of Vermont boards of health are established by State Statute.
Town health officers are responsible for investigating possible public health hazards and risks within the town, taking action to prevent, remove, or destroy any public health hazards, taking action to lessen significant public health risks, and enforcing health laws, rules and permit conditions, and taking the steps necessary to enforce orders.
Reporting Public Health Hazards
If you include your name or any contact information on any report it will become a part of public record. Please be aware that complaints – including complainant identification – are public records and thus can be obtained by any member of the public upon request. Anonymous complaints can be filed, do not include your name or contact information if you wish to remain anonymous during reporting.
Please complete a Health Officer Complaint & Inspection Form (PDF) for the Health Officer to start an investigation. You can email the form to the Town Administrator & Health Officer Amanda Costello [email protected] or use the form as a guide to report a potential violation when calling 802-796-3468 option 6.
Vermont Rental Housing Code
The Division of Fire Safety is administering the new Rental Housing Health and Safety Program, effective January 1, 2024. As of January 1, 2024, the Division of Fire Safety has enacted a new Rental Housing Health & Safety Program. Rental Housing complaints and inspections will primarily be performed by the Division of Fire Safety, instead of your local Health Officer. For information regarding the rental housing code, the complaint process, and a link to the electronic complaint form, see the links below.
The Division of Fire Safety Regional Office
Williston:
380 Hurricane Lane Suite 101
Williston, VT 05495
Main Phone: (802) 879-2300
Toll Free: (800) 366-8325
Fax: (802) 879-2312
Vermont Food and Lodging Program
The Vermont Food and Lodging Program investigates foodborne disease outbreaks, and responds to public health emergencies. To report a complaint regarding a food or lodging facility, contact the Vermont Food and Lodging Program
Mailing address:
VT Dept. of Health
Environmental Health
Food & Lodging Program
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8350
Phone: 802-863-7221 or 800-439-8550 (toll-free within Vermont)
Fax: 802-863-7483
Email: [email protected]