Bees pose winged danger

To the Editor:

Although we are in the midst of the "dog days of summer,' as postmasters, we want to remind customers that sometimes letter carriers face threats through the air.

Bees and wasps can inflict pain and suffering on our employees and for those allergic to bee venom, the sting can prove fatal, they said, prompting their call for customers to watch for and remove bee bests at or near mail receptacles.

Bee stings can be very painful, they said, and depending on the type of bee, it is possible that more than one sting can be inflicted.

Our letter carriers want to provide the best service possible to customers. At the same time, they should no be subject to situations that endanger them. That is why we ask customers to restrain their dogs during mail delivery times and why we am now reminding residents that bees also present dangerous situation.

We ask customers to try and keep bees from settling in or near mailboxes and to be especially vigilant if they have flowers in the general vicinity of mail receptacles.

If a large number of bees hover near flowers, trees or shrubs, it is possible a nest is nearby. We urged customers to use caution when dealing with bees and wasps and noted their letter carriers would be "most appreciative" if the hazard is removed, reducing the threat of a sting. Thank you,

Richard J. Goguen,

Ashburnham,

Andrew P. Marrama,

Ashby