When checking the mailbox, the first thing you expect to find is either a letter or a package, but these boxes can sometimes yield unexpected surprises. How would you react if you stumble upon a seemingly out-of-place item such as a dryer sheet inside a mailbox? You would probably be as confused as the people reacting on the thread on Reddit.

The thing is, however, that there’s more to this humble household item than meets the eye. It turns out that dryer sheets play a surprising role in pest control.

A Reddit thread brought attention to the problems mail carriers experience while delivering mail because of the nests wasps make inside mailboxes.

The practice of placing dryer sheets has gained traction in certain communities, particularly in regions where the presence of wasps and other insects is common. It turns out that the scent and chemicals present in dryer sheets serve as a natural deterrent for these pests, and that is the reason why mail carriers have adopted this unconventional method as a proactive measure to minimize the likelihood of stings.

The reason why wasps would build their nests inside mailboxes is because they are protected, concealed, and warm during the night.

Some of the chemicals and fragrances in dryer sheets are linalool, alpha-terpineol, and benzyl acetate, all known to repel insects.

Some of the advantages of using dryer sheets in mailboxes are that they represent an affordable and accessible solution to the problem of pest control and are a non-toxic alternative to chemical insecticides. They minimize the environmental impact and reduce potential harm to non-target organisms.

In case you decide to use this method, these are the steps:

Step 1: Select a scented dryer sheet, as fragrance plays a crucial role here. Opt for one with an appealing scent.

Step 2: Attach the sheet securely inside your mailbox using tape.

Step 3: Ensure you replace the dryer sheet regularly to maintain its effectiveness, preventing the scent from diminishing too greatly for practical purposes.