It seemed a good idea to test a recipe for moth bait that popped in to me from a publisher.

First, let me be straight with you. The recipe did not test out.

The recipe tested out against other “moth bait” recipes on the internet. All I found were similar. Mix mashed banana, molasses, dark rum, brown sugar, and beer. Set in the sun a few hours. Paint twelve inch squares about five feet up on tree trunks.

“Between 10 p.m.-midnight, watch the moths gather.”

At 9:30 p.m., an expedition into the backyard with a light and smartphone camera, found the moths had not discovered their treat. Rather, three or four tree roaches sat in the sticky stripes.

Giving the moths another hour to arrive brought a change. Moth expectancy turned into shivers. Roaches definitely liked the fermented concoction. And, so did click beetles.

My test ended at 10:35 p.m.

More than 11,000 species of moths are currently recognized in North America. Moths are an indication of the healthiness of an ecosystem as a whole. And, moths are integral to many ecosystems, both as a food source and as a pollinator.

Did you know some moths do not have mouths and do not eat? Mouthless moths include luna moths and ghost moths. Mouthless moths just mate and die.

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In Mountain City, to participate in annual tree limb pickup, have limbs (all sizes accepted, cut into short lengths) out “curbside” by the end of the day on Sunday, Aug. 7. On Monday, Aug. 8, interested contractors will survey the scope of work and provide estimates. Pickup is not immediate because of the process.

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The August City Council meeting was rescheduled to Aug. 15 at the last meeting, due to lack of quorum on the normal 2nd Monday. At 6 p.m. the council will host a town hall-type meeting on trash pickup service, followed by the standard monthly meeting at 7 p.m. 

Mayor Tiffany Curnutt emailed an appeal, in an effort to draw in new blood to the city’s governing body.

“Mountain City needs you… if you are passionate about the City of Mountain City, if you have a desire to serve, if you want to play a role in improving our city, if you have lived in Mountain City at least 6 months… then you qualify. Terms are two years and positions are at large.

The election is set for November 8, 2016. Candidate filing deadlines have been posted on the boards at the front of the city.

The candidate filing period begins July 23, 2016 and ends August 22, 2016. Open positions include; Mayor (Tiffany Curnutt), Alderman (Phillip Taylor) and Alderman (Ray Patterson). 

Please reach out to a council member if you have any questions about the time obligation, responsibilities or just to dig a little deeper.

Email Ellis Craig, City Secretary, to get your application and go ahead and file! ecraig1@austin.rr.com”

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Please reach out to me if you have a tidbit for Montage. ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: tidbit) or 512-268-5678. Thanks! Love Pauline