5 Creatures That Can Crawl In Through Your Toilet — And How To Stop Them
It sounds like something out of a horror movie, but yes — creatures can crawl into your home through your toilet. While rare, it happens more often than you’d think, especially in warmer climates or areas with older plumbing systems. Here’s a look at five creatures that might surprise you by slithering or crawling up from your pipes, plus practical ways to keep them out.
1. Snakes
The Threat: Probably the most infamous toilet intruder, snakes are expert swimmers and can easily navigate sewer systems. Pythons, rat snakes, and even venomous species have been found in bathrooms, often after entering through cracked sewer pipes or vent stacks.
Prevention: Install a metal grate or screen over sewer vents on your roof, and consider a one-way valve for your main sewer line. Regularly inspect for pipe cracks or open access points around your property.
2. Rats
The Threat: Rats are incredibly adaptable and can tread water for several minutes. They often use the sewer system to explore for food or nesting sites — and yes, some have been spotted emerging from toilets.
Prevention: A rat guard or sewer flap valve can block rodent access through the pipes. Sealing up cracks around your foundation and keeping toilets closed when not in use also helps deter them.
3. Frogs
The Threat: Frogs can wind up in your toilet if there’s an opening between your home’s vent system and the outdoors. They tend to slip in through roof vents, especially during rainy seasons when sewer water is higher.
Prevention: Mesh screens over roof and vent pipes go a long way. Also, keeping toilet lids down and ensuring that all plumbing openings are sealed tight helps cut off access.
4. Insects and Roaches
The Threat: Cockroaches, especially large sewer roaches, can crawl up from the drain system if your toilet isn’t regularly used. These pests thrive in dark, damp environments and can easily access your bathroom through pipework.
Prevention: Keep drains clean and flowing. Use drain stoppers or plug unused toilets. Insecticides and pipe-cleaning tablets can also help create a less welcoming environment for these creepy crawlers.
5. Possums or Other Small Mammals
The Threat: This one’s extremely rare, but there have been reports of baby opossums or squirrels making their way into toilets — often when pipes are damaged or leading directly outdoors.
Prevention: Regular plumbing maintenance is key. If your home has older, clay pipes or broken sewer lines, it might be worth investing in a camera inspection. Ensure any outdoor access points are sealed or screened off.
Final Tip: If you’re worried about any of the above, a plumber can install a backflow prevention device or non-return valve that makes it nearly impossible for creatures to climb up through your pipes.
It’s a strange world down there, but with the right steps, you can keep those unexpected guests where they belong — far away from your toilet bowl.
