mailbox
Jade Small
Jade Small
June 25, 2021 ·  3 min read

What It Means If You Find A Dryer Sheet In Your Mailbox

Have you recently seen a random dryer sheet in your mailbox? Don’t be alarmed. It turns out there is a very good reason for it to be there!

With summer in full swing, we are going to enjoy poolside drinks, catch some sun, and bring out the BBQ. Everyone is ready for the relaxing vibes, and you probably can’t wait to join them! But, guess who else will be joining the party this warm season? Bugs- the flying, stinging kind. According to one Reddit user and mail carrier, a dryer sheet in your mailbox will keep them away!

mailbox, leaves, wire
Photo by JennLShoots from Pexels

Every season comes with its own drawbacks, and summer has a few as well. The main one- wasps and yellowjackets. These pesky critters leave painful stings and tend to build their nests wherever they can. Unfortunately, prime real-estate for them is your neat and warm mailbox. Postmen and women have been trying to avoid opening up mailboxes full of wasp nests, but sometimes it does happen. And frequently too! Thankfully, there is a way to combat those pests and their nests.

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A Dryer Sheet in your Mailbox does the Trick

Reddit user u/istrx13 says placing a dryer sheet in your mailbox is a well-known method they use in the postal service. Imagine reaching your unguarded hand into a mailbox, only to be met with wasp stingers! Ouch! A simple dryer sheet can prevent on-the-job injuries like was and yellowjacket stings.

I can’t tell you how many times, especially during this part of the year, where I’ve opened up a box to see a little nest with 3-5 Yellowjackets just chillin’. If I’m really unlucky, they will have made their nest at the very back of the box, so I wind up sticking my hand in, not knowing they are there. Last year alone, I was stung 10 times on 10 separate occasions.

Reddit – u/istrx13

There isn’t a specific brand or type you should use. Almost any kind will do as long as they are scented. In fact, most flying insects will deter away from highly scented fragrances, like citronella, eucalyptus, and oregano. Likewise, dryer sheets use a specific type of chemical for their scents, and wasps and yellowjackets simply detest it. Lavender, cotton, fresh breeze- whatever scent you choose, it will work as long as the fragrance is strong.

dryer, washing, laundry, arm
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Therefore, next time you are doing a load of laundry and you add a dryer sheet to your towels, think about your mail delivery person. Pop a dryer sheet in your mailbox to keep them safe from unwanted stings, for example. As a result, they’ll be thankful you did!

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Sources:

  1. If You See a Dryer Sheet in Your Mailbox, This Is What It Means.” Taste of Home. Melany Love. May 4, 2021.
  2. What does it mean if you find a dryer sheet in your mailbox?Today. Chrissy Callahan May 12, 2021.
  3. YSK if you randomly see a dryer sheet in the back of your mailbox, your mail carrier put it there for a reason.” Reddit. April 29, 2021.