Living on a small farm, I’ve never seen so many bees, mosquitoes, and flies. But wasps are the ones I try hardest to avoid—they sting, and I’m mildly allergic. Naturally, your friendly neighborhood mail carrier also wants to stay clear of these stingers.
Why Wasps Love Mailboxes
According to a Reddit post from a mail carrier, wasps—especially yellowjackets—often build nests inside mailboxes. Mailboxes offer a cozy, safe, and sheltered space. Even when daytime temperatures soar, evenings can still be chilly. Wasps find the mailbox interior the perfect refuge.
A Hidden Danger for Mail Carriers
The mail carrier explained a serious risk. Multiple wasps can linger at the back of a mailbox without anyone noticing. When carriers reach in to deliver mail, the wasps often sting. This carrier reported being stung ten times in a single summer while on duty.
A Simple Trick to Keep Wasps Away
Thankfully, there’s an easy preventative trick. Mail carriers discovered that wasps strongly dislike the scent of dryer sheets. Placing a scented dryer sheet in the back of a mailbox discourages wasps from nesting there.
