Now, before you say it, I’m well aware that wasps are important to the ecosystem – and no, I wouldn’t really make a species extinct just because I’m personally terrified of them – but I’m sure we can all agree that there are few things that can ruin a BBQ, disrupt a garden party, or – in my case at least – send people running for cover quite like they do.

Thankfully I don’t work in an industry that sees me coming into contact with wasps, hornets, or other stinging insects on a regular basis. Which is why I often spare a thought for mail carriers.

A Reddit post gained traction recently after highlighting the issues faced by mail carriers where wasps are concerned. Yellowjackets, apparently, pose a particular problem, as they have a habit of building their nests inside mailboxes.

As per the post in question, mailboxes can look like a pretty ideal structure to wasps seeking to build a new home. They’re sheltered, hidden away from the world, and retain warmth at night, all things wasps appreciate in any potential abode.

Now, this would perfectly fine it wasn’t for the fact that it’s someone’s job to interact with said mailboxes on a regular basis. In their Reddit post, the mail carrier explained that they often come across mailboxes serving as a nest for wasps, resulting in frequent stings when they unknowingly stick their hand inside the box to deliver the mail.

A hazard that comes with the job, I hear you say? Well, yes, but that doesn’t mean it has to be.

In fact, there’s actually a nifty hack that can be deployed to keep wasps away, and it involves the use of something as common as a scented dryer sheet!

The scent of the dryer sheet acts as a deterrent for wasps, thus preventing them from claiming a mailbox to build a nest.

So, without further ado, here’s what you need to be doing:

1: Select your scented dryer sheet. Remember, scent is key here, so preferably choose one with a strong fragrance.

2: Tape the sheet to the inside of your mailbox.

3: Ensure you’re replacing the dryer sheet with a fresh one periodically, so as not to let the scent fade beyond the point where it’s useful.

There you have it! Share this article if you want to spread some helpful information that might aid our hardworking mail carriers this summer.