Have you ever wondered why bugs and other pests find their way into your bathroom? The answer lies in one key factor: moisture. Your toilet, in particular, can attract unwanted visitors if it’s not cleaned thoroughly and regularly. Flushing alone isn’t enough—residue left behind can invite all the wrong guests.
At Bright Side, we want you to know that several creatures can crawl into your home through your toilet. But don’t worry—there are ways to prevent this from happening!
1. Snakes
Snakes are naturally drawn to cool, dark, and damp spaces, making toilet pipes an appealing hideout. However, the real reason they end up there in the first place is food. The sewers contain food remnants that attract them, and once they’ve had their fill, they look for an escape—often through the pipes leading to your toilet.
The good news? If you live in a colder climate, you’re unlikely to experience this problem, as snakes typically appear in toilets only in warmer countries.
Fortunately, most snakes that manage to crawl through the pipes are harmless, such as garden or tree snakes. These species are slimmer and can squeeze through tight spaces. However, there have been rare cases of anacondas appearing in toilets in parts of South America and Australia!
2. Rats
Just like snakes, rats are always on the lookout for food, and your plumbing system can be an easy pathway for them. If your toilet and garbage disposal connect to the same pipes, rats are more likely to find their way inside. Thanks to their flexible bodies, they can swim through the pipes, hold their breath for several minutes, and squeeze through small openings with ease.
How to prevent rat intrusions:
✔ Never flush food down the toilet. If there’s no food in the pipes, rats won’t have a reason to enter.
✔ Keep the toilet lid closed. This prevents unwanted surprises.
✔ Install a rat guard. This allows water to flow out while blocking anything from coming back up.
3. Spiders
With spiders, things are a bit different—they can’t swim through pipes, but they can enter your bathroom through other openings. Once inside, some species may lurk around your toilet.
The only spider that might actually crawl inside the toilet bowl is the black widow, which spins its web inside outdoor toilets that lack plumbing or sewer connections. These environments are perfect for them since they attract flies—a steady food source.
If you ever need to use an outhouse, always check under the toilet seat before sitting down. Some venomous spiders, such as the black widow, brown recluse, and hobo spider, are known to deliver painful bites.
4. Lizards
In parts of the Southwestern United States, it’s not uncommon for small lizards to make their way into toilets. These creatures are attracted to water and will venture into plumbing in search of food.
If your toilet pipes are not well-maintained, crickets, flies, and other insects can accumulate inside them—providing the perfect meal for lizards. And if food is present, these reptiles won’t hesitate to follow.
5. Possums
Believe it or not, possums can crawl into toilets, too! In Australia, a man once saw the water in his toilet gurgling—only to watch a baby possum emerge moments later. On another occasion, a woman found a dead possum in her toilet.
These animals are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for extended periods, which explains how they end up in unexpected places.
How to Prevent & Handle These Unwelcome Guests
🐛 Keep your toilet clean: Regular cleaning with disinfectants will discourage pests from making your bathroom their home. For a budget-friendly option, try white vinegar or baking soda. Adding a toilet freshener can also help by masking any lingering odors that attract pests.
💧 Eliminate excess moisture: Many pests thrive in humid environments, so keep your bathroom as dry as possible. Wipe down wet surfaces and fix any leaking pipes immediately.
🚰 Clean your pipes naturally: A simple homemade solution can keep pests away! Mix equal parts sugar, water, and vinegar with a few drops of dish soap, then pour it down your toilet or sink. For extra protection, you can also pour boiling water down the drain.
☎ Call pest control if needed: If pests persist despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Once the infestation is handled, maintain your toilet by regularly pouring a cleaning solution down the drain to prevent future problems.