Lost Dinosaurs

My son Alder lost some toy dinosaurs at the school near the rocks last Friday.

If anyone found them, please contact me at 250 246-7917.

Kevin McClellan

BTi for Mosquito Control

Hello neighbors!

For the past two years I have been purchasing pucks of “Mosquito Dunk” which can be dropped into standing bodies of water. I toss a few pucks in my swales and drainage ditches in the spring when there is actually water in them, and it helps to keep the number of mosquitos down. This product contains BTi, a biological larvicide which is specific to mosquito and black flies. It is not harmful to the environment and is MUCH better than the use of a “full spectrum” pesticide.

Commercial grade BTi is restricted in Canada meaning it can only be sold to licensed applicators where it is known as “Vectobac”. Perhaps there is a licensed pesticide applicator on the island who could purchase and apply this product? If so, please make your presence known!

The Mosquito Dunk pucks, however, are available on Amazon. They are expensive, but cheaper than a $13,000 road works project. :) Maybe if everybody with standing water on their property uses the pucks it would have the same effect. After all, no one knows where the standing water on your property is better than you do.

If we do get some sort of mosquito control program on our island, I would recommend the use of BTi. It can be used on organic farms, is non-toxic to bees and humans, and is a naturally occurring soil organism. I just don’t know why it is so highly controlled while we can buy a gallon of toxic Roundup at the hardware store! It’s a mystery.

https://www.gdg.ca/documents/Document-Mise-a-jour-Bti-2022-ENG.pdf

https://www.amazon.ca/Mosquito-Dunks-20-Pack-Dunk/dp/B00L1JDSDU

Jonathan Stoski

2011 Nissan Leaf (E-car) for Sale

Current range 65-75kms. Great local commuter car (ie, Chemainus, Ladysmith, Duncan). Charges uses 120v, 240v, and DC fast charger, Eco/regen modes, heated seats, new air filter, Nav system, tires are good.

Mileage - 140,300ish kms. Price: $6500.

Images posted at https://www.thetisisland.net/notices2006.htm

Please contact Doug Fenton at 250.804.6480 or dfenton12@gmail.com

Annual Family Challenge Sea Star Count Monday

Monday, July 3, come with your team of 4, or come on your own and join one, to help count sea stars at Cedar Beach (in front of Andy and Virginia Lamb’s). Park on Clam Bay Rd and meet in front of the Lamb’s house (water side) at 10:30. Wear rubber boots and bring a flashlight for investigating crevices. An all-ages fun community science event.

Hope to see you there!

The ThINC team

From the Library...

A Friend of the Library will open our lovely island library from 1-4 Sunday.

New to the collection

• Gary Geddes Essays on his Works 811 (our own island writer)
• To Track a Traitor by Iona Whishaw historical fiction
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas fiction
• Sparring Partners by John Grisham fiction
• Eli by Bill Peet picture (one of my favourite authors)
• The Paris Dressmaker by Kristi Canbrow

And more on the display shelf.

Enjoy.

Celine

Coming: the 12 Days of Christmas in July!

Starting on July 14th, the TIVFD will have a Food Bank Donation Box at the front door of the Fire Hall, ready for your donations of non-expired, non-perishable food for our local Food Bank. For 12 days we will be collecting daily, ending on July 25th.

We will remind you again closer to the 14th. Thank you!

TIVFD

Mosquitos 2023: Discussed at TIRRA member meeting June 29th

Historically, Thetis has enjoyed a relatively mosquito free environment. However, in some years the weather is just right (warm, wet, little wind) to result in what seems unbearable invasions.

The concentration of the pests are different throughout the island, as noted by those who walk or cycle. This begs the question, why?

Mosquitos generally only travel 1.5 to 3 miles from breeding site. Breeding sites are natural areas of water seepage, open drainage grates, unscreened water barrels, or other "containers" with sufficient water for pupae to proceed to adult mosquitos.

As some of you may be aware, the drainage ditch near Marina Road and Pilkey Point (the cut) is currently not controlling mosquitos by curbing flooding on the north side: the culvert and flap as well as the ground under the culvert need some work which will cost $13K+. Ministry of Transport is not responsible for mosquito control and therefore Thetis Islanders will need to figure out how to foot the bill and complete the repairs. This will not be able to be accomplished this year.

If you are experiencing high levels of mosquitos in your yard: engage with your neighbours to review the properties and consider whether there could be water sources contributing to breeding. Always ensure gutters are clear, stored boats, old tires, anything that can hold water are empty and dry.

TIRRA

Mosquito Zapper

Hi, check out the Buzz Bug. No chemicals, rechargeable and $40.00 on-line at the official site.

Pam Mc.

Natural Mosquito Repellent

For those of you that want a 99% effective NATURAL mosquito repellent please buy Western Red Cedar Oil Spray It is available online from CEDAROIL.COM 

I have had one bottle for twenty years! It repels most insects and is pleasant to use in my experience.

I did not realize that the company no longer ships to Canada and have contacted them to make an exception as per their company website. If more of us contacted them this might have some effect. Their email address is: CEDAROIL@OUTLOOK.COM .

NB email addresses are NOT case sensitive.                     

Jerry Stevens

Some Useful Tips for a Small Issue Most on Thetis Certainly Experience!!

A thing all islanders should take serious. From the numbers I trap each week the problem with rodents here on Thetis is certainly as serious as mosquitoes or scotch brush or.... but solvable if everyone will tackle it and does just a little. Especially the ones who have pets and animals to feed should be on alert and always ready. I guess no one like these home occupants for the winter. There is a bunch of information available here a few.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/pesticides-pe...

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control...

Thanks,

Matthias

TODAY - Reminder to Come Celebrate Canada Day at the Pancake Breakfast!

TODAY at Forbes Hall 9:00 – 11:00 am, Saturday, July 1st

Complete pricing:
Adults $16 for pancakes and eggs
Adults $13 for pancakes OR eggs
Kids 6 – 12 $9 for pancakes and eggs
Kids 6 – 12 $6 for pancakes OR eggs
Kids 5 and under FREE

Available menu options: Buttermilk Pancakes, Real Maple Syrup, Blueberry Sauce, and/or Scrambled Eggs; Bacon, Sausages, Fresh Fruit, Coffee, Tea, Juice Boxes

See you there!
Your Canada Day Breakfast Crew

June Rainfall Stats

June 2023: 18.6 mm

June 2022: 59.3 mm

Average June: 31.6 mm

June 2023 YTD: 426.8 mm

June 2022 YTD: 547.9 mm

Average YTD: 495.7 mm

Last recorded precipitation: June 19th, 0.3 mm 

Lowest June: 6 mm in 2015

Highest June: 62 mm in 2012 

Keith Rush