1. Snakes
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- Why it happens: Snakes, especially in warmer climates, can enter plumbing through open pipes or sewer systems in search of food (like rats or frogs) and end up slithering up the toilet.
- What to watch for: Movement in the bowl, or a surprise visit when you lift the lid (yikes!).
- How to stop them:
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- Install a toilet vent cover or one-way valve.
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- Seal openings or cracks around the exterior of your home and plumbing vents.
- Keep toilet lids closed, especially overnight.
- Keep vegetation around the house trimmed to avoid attracting prey animals.
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2. Rats
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- Why it happens: Rats are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for minutes. They enter the sewer system and occasionally make their way into homes via toilets.
- What to watch for: Scratching, squeaking sounds, or — worse — spotting one swimming in your toilet.
- How to stop them:
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- Use rat guards on sewer pipes.
- Inspect and seal cracks or entry points near plumbing.
- Don’t flush food or grease that attracts rodents into the system.
- Ask a plumber about installing a rat flap valve in your sewer line.
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3. Frogs
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- Why it happens: Frogs often find their way into vent pipes or open drains, especially in humid areas. If there’s standing water and bugs nearby, it’s a paradise for them.
- What to watch for: Chirping noises, or little green jumpers in the bowl.
- How to stop them:
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- Install a fine mesh screen over roof vent pipes.
- Keep your bathroom windows closed or use screens.
- Fix leaky faucets and eliminate sources of standing water nearby.
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4. Spiders and Insects (Cockroaches, Water Bugs)
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- Why it happens: These pests often crawl in through bathroom drains, especially in hot weather or after rain. They’re looking for moisture or food.
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- What to watch for: Bugs around or inside the toilet bowl — or hiding under the rim.
- How to stop them:
- Keep toilet and bathroom clean and dry.
- Use drain stoppers when not in use.
- Pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain weekly to deter pests.
- Consider natural insect repellents like peppermint oil.
5. Lizards (Geckos, Small Reptiles)
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- Why it happens: These tiny creatures can squeeze through small gaps and follow insects or warmth into plumbing systems.
- What to watch for: Quick movements, rustling behind the toilet, or finding them chilling in the bowl.
- How to stop them:
- Keep your windows and exhaust fans screened.
- Turn off bathroom lights at night (they attract insects, which attract lizards).
- Plug wall cracks and tile gaps, especially near plumbing.
Bonus Tips: Toilet Creature Prevention 101
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- Keep lids closed at all times.
- Install drain and pipe screens.
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections.
- Don’t flush food, grease, or hair — it attracts pests.
- If you live in a high-risk area, talk to a plumber about non-return valves for your pipes.
