Creatures That Can Crawl Through Your Toilet and How to Prevent Them

Pests are relentless in their search for shelter, food, and water. Whether it’s tiny ants, large snakes, or other unexpected creatures, pests can find their way into your home in the most surprising ways. One of the most unsettling places for pests to invade is your toilet, a spot most of us associate with cleanliness and comfort. However, toilets can sometimes become entry points for various pests, making it crucial to secure your plumbing and stay vigilant in preventing their entry.

In this article, we’ll explore the types of pests that can crawl through your toilet and how to protect your home from these unwelcome intruders.

Common Pests and How to Deal with Them

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common creatures that can invade your bathroom through the toilet and other plumbing systems.

1. Rats & Mice

Rats and mice are common pests that can sneak into your home through various entry points, including plumbing. If you hear tiny footsteps at night or notice chewed wires and food packaging, there’s a good chance you have a rodent problem. These pests are persistent, and where there’s one, there are usually more.

What to Do:

Seal Entry Points: Close any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior, especially around pipes and plumbing.
Remove Climbing Access: Remove vines and ivy from walls, as they can provide easy access to your home for rodents.
Keep It Clean: Ensure trash and food waste are properly disposed of, as they attract rodents.

2. Snakes

While it’s rare, snakes can crawl up sewer pipes and make their way into toilets, especially in warm climates. These creatures typically search for food, and smaller, harmless species may find their way into your bathroom. However, larger snakes have been reported in toilets in regions like South America and Australia.

Preventive Measures:

Install one-way flaps on toilet drains to prevent entry.
Regularly check your plumbing for cracks or damage.

3. Spiders

While spiders do not swim through pipes, they can crawl into your bathroom through small openings. Venomous species such as black widows, brown recluses, and hobo spiders might even make their homes in toilets, especially in outdoor bathrooms or outhouses.

What to Do:

Inspect the bathroom regularly for webs or spiders.
Keep windows and doors tightly sealed.

4. Lizards

In regions like the southwestern U.S., lizards can find their way into toilets, particularly when dirty plumbing attracts insects. While only small lizards can fit through toilet pipes, they still pose an inconvenience and potential health risk.

How to Prevent Them:

Ensure pipes are clean and free from debris that could attract insects.
Keep plumbing in good condition and seal cracks around the toilet.

5. Opossums

Opossums usually enter homes through the roof, but when trapped or desperate for food, they may try to crawl through plumbing systems. These creatures are known for their loud hissing noises and strong-smelling droppings.

How to Prevent Opossums:

Seal roof vents and other possible entry points.
Call a professional for safe removal if you find an opossum inside your home.

6. Frogs

Frogs can slip into homes through vent pipes or plumbing, especially during times of flooding or heavy rain. In 2020, the UK saw mass frog invasions through the sewage systems, highlighting the potential for frogs to unexpectedly invade homes.

Preventive Steps:

Seal gaps around vent pipes and drains.
Install one-way flaps to prevent frogs from entering through toilets.

7. Bats

Bats usually live in attics or walls, but occasionally they may be drawn to the bathroom if they find an entry point. While bats are nocturnal and usually quiet, a large infestation can lead to droppings and health risks.

What to Do:

Close off any entry points such as gaps in the roof or vents.
Call a professional to safely remove any bats from your home.

How to Prevent Pests in Your Bathroom

To keep snakes, rodents, and other pests out of your toilet and bathroom, follow these simple preventive measures:

Install One-Way Flaps on Drains: These can help block the entry of pests into your plumbing, ensuring that unwanted creatures cannot crawl up your toilet.
Keep Drains Clean: Regularly clean your drains using disinfectants, vinegar, or baking soda to eliminate any organic matter that could attract pests.
Use Natural Pest Deterrents: Create a simple pest deterrent mix using sugar, vinegar, water, and dish soap. This can be sprayed around potential entry points to discourage pests from entering.
Occasionally Pour Boiling Water Into the Toilet: This helps disinfect the toilet and flush out any pests that may be lurking.
Hire Professionals for Deep Cleaning: If you suspect pests are using your toilet or plumbing systems, a professional cleaning service can help identify and eliminate any hidden pests.

How to Keep Other Bugs Away

While keeping pests out of your bathroom is important, it’s also essential to address smaller bugs that might make their way inside. Here’s how to deal with common bathroom pests:

Ants: Sprinkle cinnamon powder around where ants enter. Adding a few drops of essential oils like peppermint can enhance the effect.
Cockroaches: Mix chopped onion with baking soda and place it in corners. Replace it daily for best results.
Drain Flies: Clean sinks with a mix of baking soda, salt, and vinegar, and flush with warm water.
Dust Mites: Soak fabrics in eucalyptus oil and detergent, or spray non-washable items with the mixture. Tea tree oil is also effective.
Weevils: Place bay leaves or cloves in food storage to repel them.
Ticks: Make a spray using rose geranium, lavender, citronella, and rubbing alcohol. Use it before going outside.

Conclusion

By staying vigilant and taking the right precautions, you can prevent unwanted pests from crawling into your toilet and bathroom. Regular maintenance, sealing entry points, and keeping your plumbing in good condition are essential for keeping your home pest-free. Whether it’s rodents, snakes, or smaller insects, these steps will help protect your bathroom and home from potential infestations.

For more tips on preventing pests and maintaining a clean home, check out these articles:

By taking these simple measures and staying proactive in your pest control routine, you’ll be able to maintain a safe, clean, and pest-free home.