Summer is in full swing and that means one thing for homeowners: wasps! These pesky critters can often be found around homes, and especially near mailboxes. If you’re looking for tips on how to keep wasps out of your mailbox, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss some common ways to deter wasps from building nests near your mailbox.
Table of Contents
What Attracts Wasps to Mailboxes?
Wasps are attracted to mailboxes because they provide an ideal place for them to build a nest. The dark, enclosed space of the mailbox protects the wasps from predators and harsh weather conditions, while at the same time providing easy access to food sources like insects and nectar. Wasps also find comfort in the warmth of a mailbox, especially during cooler months. [1]
How Do Wasps Get in a Mailbox?
Wasps can squeeze through small cracks around the mailbox and even enter through the mail slot. Some wasps, like yellow jackets, may also be attracted to the smell of food on envelopes or packages inside the mailbox.
Why is it Important to Keep Wasps Out of a Mailbox?
Wasps are a nuisance and can be dangerous if disturbed. They can sting multiple times, so it is important to keep them away from mailboxes where people frequently reach in for their mail. Wasps can also damage the inside of a mailbox if left unchecked, which could lead to costly repairs or replacements.
How to Keep Wasps Out of a Mailbox
The best way to keep wasps out of a mailbox is to take preventative measures. Here are some tips for keeping wasps away from your mailbox:
- Place an insect repellent near the mailbox. This will help deter wasps from building nests nearby.
- Keep food sources, such as pet food and bird feeders, away from the mailbox area.
- Regularly clean out the inside of your mailbox to remove any lingering smells that may attract wasps.
- Fill any cracks or openings around the mailbox with caulk or mesh to prevent them from entering.
- Plant foliage near the mailbox that repels wasps, such as lavender or eucalyptus. [2]
1 – Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are often used to repel wasps. Hang a few dryer sheets near your mailbox and they will help keep wasps away. The smell of the fabric softener is unpleasant to wasps, so they’ll stay away from the area.
2 – Natural Oils
Essential oils are a great way to repel wasps. Mix a few drops of citronella, lavender or eucalyptus oil with water and spray it around your mailbox. Wasps find the smell offensive and will avoid the area.
3 – Homemade Wasp Spray
For an even stronger repellent, mix peppermint oil with water. Spray it directly on wasps if you see them near your mailbox to keep them away.
4 – Fake Nests
Wasps are territorial and don’t like to build nests near other wasp nests. You can purchase fake wasp nests online or make one yourself out of paper mache or fabric. Place the nest near your mailbox and the wasps will avoid it.
5 – Make Your Own Fake Nests
Making your own fake wasp nests is easy. All you need is some cardboard, paper mache, and fabric. Cut the cardboard into a small circle and cover it with the paper mache or fabric. Hang the nest near your mailbox and it will help keep wasps away from the area.
6 – Professional Non-Toxic Wasp Spray
If the above methods aren’t successful, you may want to consider using a professional non-toxic wasp spray. These sprays are specifically designed to repel wasps and can be used safely around your mailbox.
7 – Make Your Own Wasp Trap
If you have a problem with wasps, you may want to consider making your own wasp trap. All you need is an empty soda bottle, some sugar water, and a few drops of dish soap. Pour the sugar water in the bottle and add a few drops of dish soap. Then cut off the top of the bottle and hang it near your mailbox. The wasps will be attracted to the sweet smell and get trapped inside once they enter.
8 – Buy a Professional Wasp Trap
If making your own trap isn’t for you, there are plenty of professional wasp traps available online. They are designed to lure in wasps and trap them inside the container, keeping them away from your mailbox.
FAQ
What smells will keep wasps away?
Strong smells such as lavender, eucalyptus, and citronella essential oils will help repel wasps. Dryer sheets are also effective at keeping them away. [3]
Can vinegar keep wasps away?
Vinegar can help repel wasps. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray it around your mailbox to keep them away. [4]
Is there a way to stop wasps from coming back?
Yes, by using preventative measures such as placing an insect repellent near the mailbox, keeping food sources away from the area, regularly cleaning out the inside of your mailbox, and filling any cracks or openings around it. Additionally, you can hang fake wasp nests or purchase professional non-toxic wasp spray to keep them away.
Useful Video: How to Keep Wasps & Ants Off a Mailbox
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of ways to keep wasps away from your mailbox. Preventative measures such as selecting the right type of mailboxes, making sure lids properly close, and keeping trash away from the mailbox area is essential in deterring wasps from nesting in or around the area. If a nest has already been created, then it’s important to reach out to a professional for help in safely removing the nesting wasps, which will permanently keep them out of the mailbox. It’s also possible to avoid attracting wasps by avoiding sweet-smelling items like perfume or fragranced detergents, along with regularly spraying lemon juice or vinegar around doorways and windowsills can be helpful. While there may never be a guaranteed way of completely eliminating wasps entirely around your mailbox, following these tips can greatly reduce their presence and make your mail-collecting much safer. Now that you know how to keep those pesky critters out of your mailbox, stay alert and enjoy all the benefits and safety of having a mailbox in your home!
References:
- https://beatpests.com/how-to-keep-wasps-out-of-mailbox
- https://www.gfloutdoors.com/how-to-keep-wasps-out-of-mailbox-effective-methods
- https://www.thespruce.com/wasp-repellant-5111360
- https://smithspestmanagement.com/blog/post/how-to-get-rid-of-wasps