How to Prevent Mailbox Pests

Preventing mailbox pests

Mailboxes make great environments for bees, wasps and other insects to build homes. Because mailboxes can protect hives from the weather, you can find a thriving nest attached to the mailbox in a couple of days. To prevent future pest infestations, refrain from decorating your mailbox with flowers. Grow vegetable and ornamental plants away from the mailbox. Keep the lid of the mailbox closed.

Things You'll Need

• Household cleaner
• Paper towels
• Bee spray
• Wasp spray
• Ant bait
• Roach bait
• Latch
• Drill

Instructions

1. Examine your mailbox for any existing pests. Check underneath the mailbox to ensure that it is free of pests. Take note of any pests like bees buzzing around the mailbox.

2. Clean the inside of your mailbox with general household cleaner and paper towels. Remove any food, pieces of paper or plant life that may be encouraging pests to enter the mailbox.

3. Spray the mailbox with an insecticide to keep bees and wasps away from the site. You will need to use two different formulas for killing either bees or wasps, because they do not react the same to the same type of spray. Cover the mailbox with the spray.

4. Place baits around the mailbox. If you are having ant or roach problems, place a bait next to and around the mailbox. Insect baits contain toxic food sources that the insect brings back to the nest and kills off the colony.

5. Install a small latch on the mailbox to keep wildlife like raccoons from going through your mail. Drill a hole on the side of the box to install the latch that connects to the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a note on your mailbox door to remind you and the mailman to close the mailbox after delivering mail.

• Wear a mask and goggles when spraying the mailbox with pesticide to prevent breathing in or touching the chemicals.

References

• Pest Cementery: The Lonely Mailbox
• Raid: Insect Control Programs