Protecting Mail Carriers from Wasp Nests

The postman claimed in a post on Reddit that wasps — especially yellow wasps — tend to build their nests in mailboxes.

Even with high daytime temperatures, nights can be cool. For this reason, the interior of mailboxes is a desirable and safe place for these insects to live.

The risks postal carriers face

A mail carrier informs me that several wasps often congregate in the back of mailboxes, surprising unprepared carriers. The wasps are irritated when they reach inside to deliver the mail, resulting in repeated stings.

This particular carrier suffered eight stings in one summer.

We need to come up with creative solutions to protect our mail carriers as the summer heatwave continues and bed bug activity increases.

One approach that has attracted interest is the use of desiccant films.

Sheet dryer: Unexpected repair

You may be surprised to find that a dryer sheet works well to keep wasps out of mailboxes. Due to the aroma of the leaf, insects are discouraged from building nests and staying away from the mailbox.

Here’s how to use a dryer sheet to protect the mail carrier and mailbox:

Choose a dryer sheet that is scented, ideally one that has a strong scent.

Use tape or a small clip to attach the dryer sheet to the inside of your mailbox.

To maintain the effectiveness of the dryer sheet, replace it regularly. Replace it ideally every two weeks or when the smell starts to fade.

In addition to protecting your mail from any damage, using dryer sheets in your mailbox will make visiting your mail carrier more pleasant. It’s an easy-to-use yet effective wasp-repelling technique.

Let’s give thanks to the hard-working postmen who bring us mail despite inclement weather and the odd wasp sting. Help them stay safe and have a wasp-free summer! 

As summer continues and insect activity increases, it is critical to find practical solutions to protect our mail carriers from the potential danger of wasps. The idea of ​​using dryer sheets in mailboxes offers a simple but effective means of deterring these stinging insects. By using the scent of dryer sheets, we can help prevent wasps from nesting in mailboxes and reduce the risk of stings for those who deliver our mail.

Implementing this strategy not only helps protect the well-being of our postal workers but also ensures that our post office remains safe and undamaged. Small, regular efforts like changing dryer sheets can make a big difference in creating a safer environment for our mail carriers during these warm months. 

Ultimately, these thoughtful measures reflect our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of mail carriers who continue to deliver our mail despite the challenges of summer weather and insect activity. Let’s try to show our gratitude and support by adopting simple solutions that contribute to their safety and well-being.

Now that summer has arrived, it brings warmth, sunshine, and increased insect activity. I live on a small farm and have noticed an increase in flies, mosquitoes, and bees. However, these nuisance animals don’t just harm us humans; they also pose a problem for our dedicated postal couriers.

Wasp nests in mailboxes: a common problem