When it's summer, the bugs and bees are a little more active and sometimes behave aggressively. Many homeowners tend to place a scented dryer sheet in the mailbox to deter bees, wasps, hornets, etc. This prevents them from building nests and attacking the mailmen or children who play out during the evening.
It would be best to keep a scented dryer sheet, as it is considered more effective to keep the insects and bugs away from the mailbox. Read more about why the dryer sheets are kept in the mailbox and what alternatives you can use!
What Type of Dryer Sheets Should You Stick in the Mailbox?
Well, it doesn't really matter what type or kind of dryer sheet you buy. Also, the brand, or if it is eco-friendly, doesn't matter at all. It just requires to be scented, as scent is what deters them. So, any scented sheet you find can serve the purpose.
Sometimes, mailmen also put the dryer sheet in the mailbox. They do this to prevent getting stung by bees and wasps while delivering the mail. This is because when the mailman opens the mailbox, it may disturb the nest, which can result in painful stings. Hence, placing a dryer sheet can deter the wasps and ensure safety.
Why Does This Approach Work?
Wasps and other stinging insects are not really fond of aromatic smells of citronella, eucalyptus, and even cloves. This is because all three items mentioned contain a chemical called linalook, also known as wasp repellent. Dryer sheets are meant to freshen up our clothes, and they use the fragrance of the above-mentioned plants, making their scent excessively strong.
When kept enclosed in a mailbox, the scent intensifies. Hence, the reason why wasps don't like being around these scents. Also, even if a fly tries to get close to it, they will get a whiff of the strong smell and will turn away. This mostly helps the mail person, who is at high risk of getting stung when putting in the mail.
When to Place a Dryer Sheet in a Mailbox?
If you see a lot of pest activity around your mailbox, placing a dryer sheet inside can help deter them even before they settle in. However, it's important to act early - as preventative steps are more effective than reactive ones. But, if you see a nest already established, adding a dryer sheet means disturbing the nest - which can provoke the insects. In such cases, avoid interfering and instead opt for proper removal methods.
A dryer sheet is more like a preventive measure. Consider putting it in the mailbox in early spring and removing it once the temperature drops in the fall.
How Often Should You Replace the Dryer Sheet?
Though there isn't a hard and fast rule on how often you must replace the dryer sheet, you can consider changing it every 10-14 days to ensure the scent remains potent enough to deter pests. To maintain efficiency, it's wise to replace the sheet after a period of high humidity or heat waves. This is because when exposed to moisture, heat, or wind, the sheets start losing their scent.
What Are Some Alternative Approaches to Dryer Sheets?
If you're allergic to citronella or any other substance, there are other alternatives you can opt for, such as -
Essential Oil-Infused Sachets
You can try putting peppermint or lemon eucalyptus oil balls or sachet, as they are more environmentally friendly and offer a more personalized fragrance experience.
Rubbing Alcohol Spray
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is the best way to kill wasps. Unlike insecticides, it does not have any side effects or pose health risks. Also, this is considered safe even around electronics.
Permethrin
Permethrin SFR can be mixed at 3 oz per gallon in a pump sprayer for outdoor use. You can spray them in nooks and corners of the mailbox, and they are considered very effective, as it creates a long-lasting toxic barrier. It might be necessary to reapply the spray to catch any remaining pests. It also keeps moths and other bugs from invading your porch or patio at night.
| Notes | It is important to note that permethrin can be toxic to cats. So, if you have one, keep it indoors when spraying. |
Diatomaceous Earth
You can make a spray of diatomaceous earth and spray it on wasps and bees looking for a place to nest. This works really well, as it ensures they never return.
Conclusion
Though the dryer sheets are effective in getting rid of bugs, they might not completely eliminate all of them from the mailbox. There may still be some tenacious critters that manage to get inside. In such situations, routine mailbox checks and opting for proper and careful removal of any insects or debris can help keep the area pest-free.
