It’s hard to believe that summertime is almost here. We will soon be enjoying warmer days, more sunshine, and maybe even a backyard barbecue or two. Something else that we may see on the increase are bees, mosquitoes, and wasps.

Many of us have had problems with those pests in the past and we may even have been stung a time or two. For some people, it is a nuisance but for others, it could be a matter of life or death. That is why we have concerns for postal carriers.

One of the problems of being a mail carrier is the possibility of running into some type of stinging insects. Because of the temperatures that cool down in the evening, Yellowjackets tend to make their home inside of mailboxes. Wasps and other stinging insects may also enjoy the area.

Unfortunately, many mail carriers are caught unawares because the wasps tend to be at the back of the mailbox. They reach inside to deliver the mail, irritate the insects, and get stung. Sometimes they may get multiple stings in the course of the summer.

It is important for homeowners to protect the mail carriers and to take care of their property, including the mailbox. There are some options available that may help, including dryer sheets.

It really only takes putting a scented dryer sheet with a strong fragrance in the mailbox to repel wasps. Many of them don’t like the smell of the dryer sheets so they will stay away.

You should also attach it to the inside of the mailbox using a clip or tape. That will keep the mailman from throwing it away, thinking that it is trash.

Make sure you mark your calendars and change the dryer sheet every week or two. That will help to keep the scent strong and the wasps away.

Not only is a dryer sheet going to help to keep your mailman safe, it will make your mailbox and your mail smell great!