Why do they come up through the toilets?
Rats are excellent swimmers: they can hold their breath for several minutes and squeeze through tiny spaces. If your pipes lead to the sewer, they can easily swim up to your toilet.
Why does this happen?
- You throw food scraps down the sink or toilet.
- The pipes are not well protected.
How do we keep them out?
- Never flush food down the toilet or sink.
- Install a rat flap on your exhaust ducts.
- Keep the toilet lid closed at all times.
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Spiders
How do they get into your toilet?
Unlike snakes and rats, spiders don’t crawl up pipes, but they do love damp bathrooms. They can squeeze in through small gaps, attracted by flies and other insects.
What types of spiders?
- The black widow can weave its web under the toilet seat (especially in outhouses).
- Other spiders like the brown recluse can hide in dark corners.
How do we keep them out?
- Keep your bathroom dry, as spiders love humidity.
- Eliminate insects (flies, mosquitoes) to avoid attracting them.
- Inspect the underside of the toilet seat regularly, especially in hot areas.
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The lizards
Why do they come up through the toilets?
Lizards love humidity and insects. In some warm regions, it is common to see small lizards crawling out of drains in search of food.
Why does this happen?
- Your drains contain flies, mosquitoes, or other small insects.
- Your bathroom is humid, a perfect breeding ground for these reptiles.
How do we keep them out?
- Keep your drains clean by using white vinegar or baking soda.
- Check for any cracks they could enter through.
- Use protective grilles on water drains.
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Opossums
Why do they come up through the toilets?
Opossums are strong swimmers and great explorers. They sometimes swim up drains in some areas, particularly Australia and South America.
Why does this happen?
- They are looking for a safe place to hide.
- They are attracted to food scraps in the sewers.
How do we keep them out?
- Install protections on your pipes, such as a check valve.
- Do not leave food or strong odors that could attract these animals.
- Keep your restrooms clean and disinfected to prevent intrusion.
How can these intrusions be prevented?
Here are some simple tips to avoid unpleasant surprises in your toilet:
- Clean your toilet regularly with white vinegar or baking soda.
- Avoid excessive humidity in your bathroom.
- Never flush food down the sink or toilet.
- Install grates or check valves on your pipes.
- If you are invaded, call a professional to disinfect and secure your facilities.
Ever had a nasty surprise in your toilet?
If you’ve ever discovered an unexpected intruder in your bathroom, tell us about your experience in the comments! And if you found this article interesting, share it with your friends to let them know.
