The Dartmouth Board of Health is reminding residents to remain vigilant and take precautions in the face of the ongoing Eastern equine encephalitis threat throughout the region. 

According to a press release from the board, the town’s risk of the deadly mosquito-borne disease remains at “Moderate.” The state updates risk levels multiple times throughout the week. 

The board states although there are numerous criteria to determine a community’s risk, deceased birds are not being collected for analysis. 

The state has conducted two rounds of aerial pesticide spraying, using a chemical called Anvil 10+10, in a small portion of the northern end of Dartmouth. 

The Bristol County Mosquito Control is conducting ongoing ground level applications of pesticide in the early morning hours. 

Click here for a complete schedule of spraying. 

While spraying will reduce the population of mosquitoes, the risk will continue to exist until the first hard frost. Therefore, the Board of Health recommends using repellants and avoiding peak mosquito activity during the dusk through dawn hours. 

Recommended bug sprays include those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for skin; and permethrin for clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. 

Homeowners should drain standing water, install or repair screens, and check around window air conditioners to keep mosquitoes out of homes. 

For more information, visit town.dartmouth.ma.us/board-health.