Dryer sheets popping up in people’s mailboxes: Here’s why you should leave them - silive.com

Jun 28, 2025

If you find a dryer sheet in your mailbox, there's a good chance it was left there on purpose.(Advance/SILive.com | Anthony DePrimo)

Next time you go to check your mailbox you may find something besides the usual bills and junk mail.

Some mail carriers have taken to leaving scented dryer sheets in certain mailboxes along their routes during the summer months, according to Parade.com.

But why would mail carriers go out of their way to leave these laundry day staples behind? Apparently, to protect themselves and residents from bees and wasps.

The publication cited a Reddit post in which a mail carrier explained that placing a dryer sheet in a mailbox can keep bees and wasps away and prevent them from building a nest inside.

“We’ve found that [yellowjackets and wasps] hate scented dryer sheets. If we encounter a box that is a problem for nests, we’ll often put one in there and it does the trick... So please, if you one day randomly see a dryer sheet at the back of your mailbox, just know that your carrier more than likely put it there to deter these Satanic creatures from building their home in it,” the user wrote.

Scents like lavender, citronella and mint – commonly used in dryer sheets – contain a chemical called linalool, which acts as a natural pest repellent, according to ThisOldHouse.com.

“Any dryer sheet that contains linalool stands a good chance of chasing away spiders and stinging insects. However, not all dryer sheets contain linalool, so shoppers should examine the ingredient list carefully. Bounce dryer sheets do contain linalool, making them a favorite among mail carriers and other folks looking for pest-deterring dryer sheets," the website states.

However, some experts caution that scented dryer sheets are by no means a panacea for all your pest problems.

“Several scientific studies have explored the effectiveness of dryer sheets as insect repellents, and the results are mixed. Some studies suggest that dryer sheets might repel certain insects, but the evidence isn’t overwhelming,” according to a blog post from HAWX Smart Pest Control.

The pest experts note that dryer sheet may offer minor relief from bugs, but homeowners with persistent problems should reach out to a train professional.

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