1. Snakes
Why it occurs: Snakes, particularly in warmer climes, can slither up toilets by entering plumbing through exposed pipes or sewer systems while looking for food (such as frogs or rodents).
Watch out for: Movement in the bowl or, ouch!, an unexpected visitor when you remove the lid.
Installing a one-way valve or toilet vent cap will stop them.
Seal plumbing vents and any gaps or crevices around the outside of your house.
Toilet lids should be kept closed, especially at night.
To prevent drawing in predatory animals, keep the foliage surrounding the house clipped.
2. Rats
Why it occurs: Rats can hold their breath for minutes and are very good swimmers. Sometimes they enter homes through toilets, and sometimes they infiltrate the sewer system.
Things to look out for include squeaking or scratching noises, or worse, seeing one swimming in your toilet.
How to prevent them:
Rat guards should be used on sewer pipes.
Examine and plug any openings or cracks close to the plumbing.
Food and grease that attract rodents should not be flushed into the system.
To install a rat flap valve in your sewer system, see a plumber.
3. Frogs
Why it occurs: Particularly in humid regions, frogs frequently get into open drains or vent pipes. It is a haven for insects if there is standing water and they are close by.
Keep an eye out for any chirping sounds or tiny green jumpers in the dish.
To prevent them, cover the roof vent pipes with a fine mesh screen.
Use screens or keep your bathroom windows closed.
Fix any leaking faucets and get rid of any adjacent standing water sources.
4. Spiders and Insects (Water Bugs, Cockroaches): These pests frequently enter through bathroom drains, particularly during hot weather or after a rainstorm. They are searching for food or moisture.
Things to keep an eye out for include bugs hiding beneath the rim or inside the toilet bowl.
How to prevent them:
Use drain stoppers when not in use, and keep the bathroom and toilet dry and clean.
To keep bugs away, pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain once a week.
Take peppermint oil and other natural bug repellents into consideration.
5. Lizards (small reptiles, geckos)
Why it occurs: These microscopic organisms are able to fit through narrow openings and follow warmth or insects into plumbing systems.
Quick movements, rustling behind the toilet, or discovering them relaxing in the bowl are things to keep an eye out for.
How to prevent them:
Make sure your exhaust fans and windows are screened.
At night, turn off the lights in the bathroom because they draw insects, which in turn draw lizards.
Fill up tile gaps and wall fractures, especially those close to the plumbing.
🙠Extra Advice: 101: Preventing Toilet Creatures
Lids should always be kept closed.
Put in pipe and drain screens.
Plan for routine plumbing examinations.
Food, oil, and hair should not be flushed because this attracts pests.
Consult a plumber about non-return valves for your pipes if you reside in a high-risk location.