Ah, summertime! It’s a season loved by many – with its warmth, lush greenery, and abundant sunshine. However, there are a few things that can dampen our enjoyment of this wonderful time of year. One of those things is wasps.

Now, I understand that wasps play a significant role in the ecosystem, and I wouldn’t want to harm them just because I’m personally terrified of them. However, we can all agree that these buzzing insects can quickly spoil a BBQ, disrupt a garden party, or send people running for cover.

Can you imagine what mail carriers have to deal with on a regular basis? A recent Reddit post shed light on the difficulties faced by mail carriers when it comes to wasps. It turns out that yellowjackets have a knack for building their nests inside mailboxes.

Mailboxes are like the perfect homes for wasps – sheltered, hidden, and retaining warmth at night. So when mail carriers unsuspectingly reach into a mailbox to deliver the mail, they often find themselves on the receiving end of a painful sting.

Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to keep wasps away from mailboxes – scented dryer sheets! The strong fragrance of these sheets acts as a deterrent, preventing wasps from claiming a mailbox as their new nesting spot.

Here’s what you need to do to protect your mailbox and help our hardworking mail carriers stay safe and wasp-free this summer:


  1. Choose a scented dryer sheet with a strong fragrance – Look for one that has a scent that you find pleasing and that you think will discourage wasps from nesting.



  2. Tape the sheet to the inside of your mailbox – Securely tape the dryer sheet to the inside of your mailbox, preferably close to the opening where the mail carrier inserts the mail. This will create a barrier that wasps won’t want to cross.



  3. Replace the sheet periodically with a fresh one – The effectiveness of the scent diminishes over time, so it’s important to replace the dryer sheet regularly. This will ensure that the repellent properties remain strong and continue to deter wasps.

With these easy steps, you can help keep wasps at bay and create a safer environment for your mail carrier. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in ensuring a wasp-free summer for everyone.

Remember, be kind to nature and appreciate the vital role that wasps play, but let’s also do what we can to enjoy our outdoor gatherings without the unwanted presence of these buzzing insects.