Since it’s now summer, there is more insect movement and more sunshine. It seems like there are more bees, bugs, and flies where I live on a small farm. But it’s not just people who have to deal with these annoying animals; our wonderful mail workers also have to.
Having wasp nests in mailboxes is a common problem.
Someone who works as a mail worker said on Reddit that wasps, especially yellowjackets, like to build nests inside mailboxes. Even though it’s hot during the day, it can still get cool at night. Because of this, the inside of lockers is a nice, safe place for these bugs to live.
The dangers mail carriers have to deal with
The mail carrier says that wasps are often gathered at the back of mailboxes when the workers are not looking. When they go inside to bring the mail, the wasps get angry, which causes them to sting a lot. In fact, this carrier got stung ten times in just one summer.
As the summer goes on and bugs keep being active, we need to come up with new ways to keep our mail workers safe. Dryer sheets are one option that has gotten a lot of attention.
Dryer sheets: an unexpected answer
You won’t believe it, but a simple dryer sheet can keep wasps away from mailboxes. The insects are scared off by the smell of the sheet, so they don’t go near the mailbox or build nests there.
A dryer sheet can be used to protect your mailbox and your mail provider in the following ways:
Pick a dryer sheet that has a scent, ideally one that smells strong.
Use tape or a small clip to attach the dryer sheet to the inside of your mailbox.
Changing the dryer sheet every so often will keep it working well. It should be changed every two weeks or when the smell starts to fade.
Putting dryer sheets in your mailbox will not only keep your mail safe, but it will also make things easier for the person who delivers your mail. It’s an easy way to keep wasps away that works well.
Show our appreciation for the hardworking mail carriers who bring our mail in bad weather and sometimes get stung by wasps. Help them stay safe and have a great summer without wasps!
