Scientifically, dryer sheets are not guaranteed pest repellents—but anecdotally, many people swear by them. The method is so common that some postal workers even recommend it.
Should You Remove It?
If the mailbox belongs to a tenant and the dryer sheet doesn’t interfere with mail delivery, it’s generally harmless to leave it. Removing it repeatedly may lead to it being replaced again—exactly what you’re seeing.
The Takeaway
A dryer sheet in a mailbox isn’t trash or a signal—it’s usually a quiet, practical solution to an insect problem. If you keep finding one, it’s likely your tenant is simply trying to prevent unwelcome visitors with wings or legs.
Sometimes the simplest explanation really does smell like fresh laundry.
