Why Are People Putting Scented Dryer Sheets In Mailboxes In Minnesota And Wisconsin?

When you think of being a mail carrier it would seem to be a pretty tough job. Rain, sleet, snow, cold, heat, walking for miles delivering mail, and don't forget about dogs that are not on a leash. But did you ever consider insects, particularly yellowjackets?

Yes, yellowjackets are a huge problem for many mail carriers around the country including in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Of course around here now, the temperatures are cold enough that yellowjackets are not much of a problem unless they have a nest inside your house, but during warmer temperatures, they are a big problem for mail carriers.

I have had many run-ins with these beastly bees and they are brutal. I even had one in my bed one time and rolled over on it in the middle of the night. I have never moved so fast in my life and it stung me more than once.

According to Pest World.com: "Yellowjackets are normally very slow to sting, but they are also very territorial. If the entrance to their nest is approached, they will become very aggressive. They can sting multiple times, and their stings can be very painful."

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Because of their aggressive nature here lies the problem for postal workers. Sometimes yellowjackets have been known to build nests inside mailboxes and if you don't know they are in there, it could be sting city for whoever is placing the mail inside or you grabbing your mail.

According to Today.com yellowjackets hate the smell of scented dryer sheets so that is why they get put in mailboxes. So if you don't mind nice-smelling mail and happen to find one inside your mailbox leave it in there for the postal worker and your safety as well. According to Pestworld.com they highly recommended that if you find a yellowjacket nest in or around your home call a professional to remove it.