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:
Install a toilet vent cover or one-way valve.
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.
2. Rats
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:
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.
3. Frogs
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:
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.
4. Spiders and Insects (Cockroaches, Water Bugs)
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.
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)
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
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.
Bonus Tips: Toilet Creature Prevention 101
