GREATER BOSTON —Although we are in the midst of the “dog days of summer,” Bill Berberan, safety manager for the Greater Boston Postal District, reminded customers that sometimes letter carriers face threats through the air.

Bees, wasps and other flying insects can inflict pain and suffering on our employees and for those allergic to bee venom, the sting can prove to be fatal, he said, prompting his call for customers to watch for and remove bee nests at or near mail receptacles.

“Bee stings can be very painful,” he 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 not be subject to situations that endanger them. That is why we ask customers to restrain their dogs during mail delivery times and why I am now reminding residents that bees and other flying insects also present dangerous situations,” he said.

He asked 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.

He said if a large number of bees hover near flowers, trees, or shrubs, it is possible a nest is nearby. He urged customers to use caution when dealing with bees and wasps and noted his letter carriers would be “most appreciative” if the hazard is removed, reducing the threat of a sting.     

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