Pests of all sizes—from tiny ants to large snakes—are always looking for a way into your home. Even the smallest crack or hole can become an entry point. That’s why sealing gaps and securing your home is crucial to keeping these intruders out. Stay proactive and protect your space!
1. Rats
If you hear tiny footsteps at night or notice chewed wires, insulation, or food packaging, you likely have mice or rats. Droppings are another clear sign, and where there’s one, there are usually more.
What to Do:
- Seal Entry Points – Close any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior.
- Remove Climbing Access – Ivy on walls can help rodents enter. Consider removing it.
- Keep It Clean – Properly dispose of trash, as dirt and food waste attract them.
2. Snakes
Snakes enter sewers looking for food and sometimes crawl up pipes, ending up in toilets. This mostly happens in warm countries and usually involves small, harmless snakes. However, large snakes have occasionally been found in toilets in places like South America and Australia.
3. Lizards
In the Southwest U.S., lizards often crawl through toilet pipes in search of water and food. If plumbing isn’t clean, insects like crickets and flies can attract them. Fortunately, only small lizards can fit through the pipes.
4. Spiders
Spiders don’t swim through pipes but can enter bathrooms through other openings. Most stay outside the toilet seat, but black widows may weave webs inside, especially in outdoor toilets. These venomous spiders, along with brown recluses and hobo spiders, can bite, so always check before using an outhouse.
5. Opossums
Opossums climb to enter homes, often through the roof. They make loud hissing sounds and may scratch walls if trapped. Their feces also have a strong odor. To prevent them from getting inside, inspect your home regularly, seal any gaps, and cover vents with mesh. If they still get in, call a professional for safe removal.
6. Frogs
These tiny, slippery creatures can also find their way into your bathroom without an invitation. Back in 2020, the UK experienced a bizarre case of mass toilet invasions, which experts linked to frogspawn developing in the sewage system. On top of that, some believe frogs may also sneak into homes by crawling through vent pipes.
7. Bats
Bats are nocturnal and usually quiet unless there’s a large infestation. They often hide in attics or walls, leaving at dusk. Bright lights can deter them, but if they’re already inside, professional removal may be necessary, sometimes requiring wall openings.
How to prevent and react to these occurrences
To keep snakes and other pests out of your toilet:
- Install a one-way flap to block their entry.
- Keep drains clean with disinfectants, vinegar, or baking soda.
- Use pest deterrents like a mix of sugar, vinegar, water, and dish soap.
- Pour boiling water into the toilet occasionally.
- Hire professionals for deep cleaning if needed.
How to keep other bugs away
- Ants – Sprinkle cinnamon powder where ants enter. Adding essential oil enhances effectiveness and leaves a nice scent.
- Cockroaches – Mix chopped onion with baking soda and place in corners. Replace daily for best results.
- Drain Flies – Clean sinks with a mix of baking soda, salt, and vinegar, then flush with warm water.
- Dust Mites – Soak fabrics in eucalyptus oil and detergent, or spray non-washable items with the mixture. Tea tree oil works too.
- Weevils – Place bay leaves or cloves in food storage to repel them.
- Ticks – Make a spray with rose geranium, lavender, citronella, and rubbing alcohol. Use before going outside.
