Protecting Mail Carriers from Wasp Nests

Summer has arrived, bringing with it sunshine, warm weather, and blooming flowers, along with a surge in insect activity. Living on a small farm, I’ve never encountered so many bees, mosquitoes, and flies. As someone mildly allergic to wasps, I make a conscious effort to avoid them, and it seems our mail carriers are doing the same.

A Common Problem: Wasp Nests in Mailboxes

According to a Reddit post by a mail carrier, wasps, particularly yellowjackets, have a penchant for nesting inside mailboxes. Despite hot daytime temperatures, evenings can still be chilly, making the interior of mailboxes an attractive and sheltered haven for these insects.

The Hazards for Mail Carriers

The mail carrier further explains that unsuspecting carriers often encounter multiple wasps congregating at the back of mailboxes. When they reach inside to deliver mail, the wasps become agitated, leading to frequent stings. This particular carrier endured ten stings in one summer alone.