If a dryer sheet shows up in your mailbox, you’ll want to know what it’s trying to tell you.

Summertime brings sunny skies, vibrant greenery, and long, warm days. But along with the joys of the season come some nuisances—wasps being a prime example. Surprisingly, a simple household item can help keep these stinging insects at bay.

The Wasp Problem

A Threat for Mail Carriers
Postal workers often encounter unexpected hazards on their routes. One Reddit post shared an all-too-common scenario: yellowjackets nesting inside mailboxes. Disturbing a nest while delivering mail can result in painful stings and serious safety concerns.

The Dryer Sheet Solution

Why It Works
Wasps are highly sensitive to certain scents. Scented dryer sheets can confuse and repel them, discouraging them from building nests in your mailbox.

How to Use Dryer Sheets to Deter Wasps

1. Pick a Strongly Scented Sheet: The fragrance is crucial to making this trick effective.
2. Secure It Inside the Mailbox: Tape the dryer sheet in place so it doesn’t fall out.
3. Refresh as Needed: The scent will fade over time, so replace the sheet regularly to keep wasps away.

In short, placing a dryer sheet inside your mailbox is a smart, simple method to discourage wasps. It keeps postal workers safe and helps avoid painful encounters with these stinging insects.