Most people assume that the stories they've heard about rats showing up in poor, unsuspecting people's toilets are nothing more than myths or urban legends. These people may even chuckle at the thought of an oh-so-startled business-doer. For those who have actually gone through this experience, though, the situation is far from funny and about as real as real can get. Read on to learn the truth about toilet rat encounters.
Can Rats Really Show Up In Your Toilet?
Yes, yes they can. The situation is quite common in areas where the sewer systems are old and built out of brick. Brick sewer lines provide the rats with plenty of spaces to dig their little feet in and climb up to the pipes that lead to your toilet.
Those whose homes are attached to newer sewer lines aren't completely safe, either. While rats can't climb the newer-style clay or PVC pipes, high rains can give them all the lift they need to gain access to your home's plumbing system. Rats don't mind water at all, and they can vigorously swim for up to 1/2 mile and then tread water for an additional 3 days!
The toilet rat problem is so severe in some American cities that the municipals actually chart the encounters on maps and hire full-time employees to combat the problem.
What Should You Do If You Experience This Horror?
First of all, you should know that besides being good swimmers, rats are also great jumpers. If you find a rat in your toilet, you'll need to act quickly. Immediately close your lid, and run for the kitchen where you keep your dish liquid.
Return to the bathroom, and squirt a good dose of that dish liquid in the little space between your toilet bowl and your toilet seat. Give your toilet a flush and the rat will likely return to his underground lair. If this method doesn't work, the soap will at least make your toilet bowl slippery and prevent the rodent from jumping out when you open the lid to see if it's still there. If it is still there, close the lid again and call a pest control service immediately. If needed, do some additional reading to find a good pest control service in your area.
Will this clog your toilet? Probably not. If the rat is still alive, he'll actively work to scurry away, so you're not relying on your plumbing system alone to move him along. If a clog does happen to occur, contact a plumber—rats can carry diseases, so a clogged toilet is still a better option than having to get all hands-on with sewage-covered vermin.
Um, No. What Are Some Tips To Just Prevent This From Ever Happening?
If you don't want to find a rat in your toilet—not even once—there are some preventative measures you can take.
It isn't just a myth; rats can and will enter your toilet. Protect yourself from this particularly scarring experience with the above tips for keeping toilet rats at bay.
Share19 November 2014
Once I paid of the mortgage on my house, I decided I wanted to buy an investment property. I had no idea that the buying process would be different, but it really was. There were so many things to consider that I hadn't thought about, and even the loan application process was different. It occurred to me that if I didn't know about it, others likely didn't either. I built this site to help others see what I went through buying my first investment home. I hope that it helps you to approach the process with more confidence and understanding.
