Four Ways to Keep Creepy Crawlies Out of Your Toilets

Snakes. Rats. Possums. These are all unwanted guests in most homes. And when you find them in your home, your first question is: how did they get in? It might sound like an urban myth – or the stuff of nightmares- but all of these creatures can crawl through your pipes and enter your home through your toilet. 

Snakes. 

If there are two things snakes love, it’s warm climates and wet, dark places. And that’s why they end up in toilet pipes in South Florida. Typically, they start their adventure in sewers, feasting on food remnants. Once they’re done there, they slither through pipes, searching for a way out.

Rats. 

Similar to snakes, rats are constantly searching for food. And pipes are a big draw, especially in homes with toilets and garbage disposals that feed to the same pipe. Because they’re bendy and their bodies have a cylindrical shape, they can squeeze through openings the size of a quarter.

Possums. 

Baby possums have been known to end up in toilets because they’re excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for long periods. While the reason is probably purely accidental, it doesn’t make their visit any more welcoming. 
Because never using the toilet again is not an option, it’s important to know how to keep these creatures from entering your home through your bathroom. 

1. Don’t leave food out indefinitely. Animals are naturally drawn to food. So, don’t give them a reason to enter your sewage system.
2. Don’t ignore leaks. Water that accumulates where the toilet meets the floor creates a moist and humid environment, which attracts critters and pests.
3. Don’t ignore draining and flooding issues. Both can be signs of tree roots growing inside your pipes. And cracks in your pipes can lead to pests in your toilets.
4. Don’t dismiss unidentifiable noises. A critter’s incessant scratching can destroy your pipes. 

Chances are, the only snake you ever want to see in your toilet is the one that removes clogs in your drains. And, at Raider Rooter, we’re experts with the metal cable coiled variety. So, let us put our expertise to work for you. But, as always, whether you’re after tips and tricks for frequent plumbing problems or more extensive plumbing insight, be sure to consult our blog for thorough and helpful information.