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Introduction
It sounds like the stuff of urban legends—but yes, creatures can make their way into your toilet bowl. From creepy crawlies to full-on reptiles, your plumbing system can become a surprising gateway into your bathroom. These invasions are rare, but they do happen, especially in warmer or more humid regions. In this guide, we’ll identify five of the most common toilet intruders, explain how they get in, and give you practical tips on how to prevent them from ever making an appearance.
Ingredients (What You’ll Need to Protect Your Toilet)
Rubber gloves
Toilet lid with a secure seal
Drain screens or grates
Plumbing-safe insecticides
White vinegar and baking soda
Plumbing snake or auger
Flashlight
Professional plumber’s contact (just in case)
Instructions (Creature-by-Creature Defense Guide)
1. Rats
How they get in: Rats are surprisingly strong swimmers and can enter through the sewer lines, climbing up into your toilet bowl.
How to stop them:
Install a one-way valve in your sewer line.
Keep toilet lids closed, especially in basements.
Call a plumber if you suspect rat activity in your pipes.
Avoid flushing food or grease down the drain, which can attract them.
2. Frogs
How they get in: Frogs can sneak in through ventilation pipes or gaps in plumbing near open drains.
How to stop them:
Cover your roof vent pipes with fine mesh screens.
Seal any cracks or gaps around exterior pipes.
Maintain your yard to reduce areas where frogs might breed.
3. Snakes
How they get in: Like rats, snakes can slither up through your sewer pipes. This is more common in rural or swampy areas.
How to stop them:
Use a tightly sealed toilet lid, especially at night.
Screen external vent pipes and drain openings.
Trim vegetation near your home to discourage snake presence.
4. Cockroaches
How they get in: Roaches can enter through dry or unused drains and seek out moist, dark environments like toilets.
How to stop them:
Pour a mix of vinegar and baking soda down unused drains to deter insects.
Use plumbing-safe insecticides around the toilet base and bathroom.
Keep bathroom floors dry and toilet lids shut.
5. Spiders
How they get in: Spiders typically don’t come through the plumbing, but they can hide under toilet seats or in crevices near the bowl.
How to stop them:
Clean behind and around the toilet regularly.
Use peppermint oil spray (spiders dislike the scent).
Check under the lid before sitting—just in case!
Serving and Storage Tips (aka Prevention & Maintenance)
Keep drains clean: Pour boiling water or a vinegar/baking soda mix weekly down lesser-used drains.
Check seals and covers: Make sure all vent pipes, drains, and toilet lids are sealed tightly.
Use toilets regularly: Unused toilets can dry out, making it easier for creatures to come through.
Call in pros when needed: If you see repeat invasions, it might be time to involve pest control or a licensed plumber.
Variations (Other Creatures You Might Encounter)
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