You probably don’t think twice before lifting the toilet lid—until you’ve heard stories of creatures making surprise appearances from down below. As unsettling as it sounds, certain pests can actually make their way into your home through the toilet. From snakes to spiders, these invaders often come up through your plumbing in search of food, water, or warmth. But don’t worry—with a few preventative measures, you can keep your toilet a no-creature zone. Here are five creatures that can crawl through your toilet and what you can do to stop them.

1. Snakes
Why They Come In:
In warmer regions, snakes may enter sewer systems or open plumbing pipes while hunting for prey like frogs or rats. Once inside, they can unintentionally slither their way up through your toilet bowl—definitely not the kind of visitor you want to meet during a midnight bathroom trip.

What To Watch For:
Any movement in the bowl or a surprise when lifting the lid. If you see something slithering, don’t panic—but don’t sit down, either.

How To Prevent Snake Encounters:

• Install a one-way valve or toilet vent cover to block entry.

• Seal off any cracks or holes around exterior plumbing and vent pipes.

• Keep your toilet lid closed, especially overnight.

• Trim shrubs and tall grass around your home to reduce the number of prey animals that could attract snakes in the first place.

2. Rats
Why They Come In:
Believe it or not, rats are incredible swimmers. They can hold their breath for several minutes and navigate sewer systems with ease. Occasionally, they find their way into homes via toilet pipes while searching for food.

What To Watch For:
You might hear squeaking or scratching noises near your plumbing. In the worst-case scenario, you could see a rat actually swimming in your toilet bowl.

How To Keep Rats Out:

• Ask your plumber about installing a rat flap valve in your sewer line.

• Use rat guards on external sewer access points.

• Seal all visible cracks or gaps around pipes and bathroom walls.

• Avoid flushing food scraps or grease down the toilet—these attract rodents.

3. Frogs
Why They Come In:
Frogs are particularly common in humid areas and are drawn to places with water and insects. They often slip into homes through roof vent pipes or open drains and may hop into the toilet bowl.

What To Watch For:
Chirping sounds in the bathroom or spotting a little green frog hanging out in the toilet bowl.

How To Keep Frogs Away:

• Cover vent pipes with a fine mesh screen to block entry.

• Always close bathroom windows or install bug screens.

• Fix dripping faucets and get rid of any standing water sources near your home that may attract them.

4. Spiders and Insects (Including Cockroaches and Water Bugs)
Why They Come In:
Insects and spiders are moisture seekers. Bathrooms offer both water and hiding spots, especially if you have cracks or leaking pipes. After rain or during heatwaves, it’s common for these pests to crawl up through drains and pipes.

What To Watch For:
Creepy crawlers lurking inside the bowl, around the rim, or on the bathroom floor. Sometimes, you’ll even spot cockroaches hiding under the toilet seat.

How To Bug-Proof Your Bathroom:

• Keep your toilet and bathroom areas dry and clean.

• Use drain covers or stoppers when not using the sink or tub.

• Once a week, pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain—it deters insects naturally.

• Try peppermint oil or other natural bug repellents near plumbing openings.

5. Lizards (Like Geckos and Tiny Reptiles)
Why They Come In:
Small lizards are agile and can squeeze through tiny gaps. They often enter plumbing systems following the scent of insects or the warmth of your home. While harmless, their sudden appearance can be shocking.

What To Watch For:
Fast movements in the bathroom, especially behind or near the toilet, or spotting one casually chilling in the bowl.

How To Keep Lizards Out:

• Use window screens and make sure exhaust fans are covered with mesh.

• Turn off bathroom lights at night—light attracts bugs, which in turn attract lizards.

• Seal tile gaps and any cracks near plumbing fixtures or walls.

🛠️ Bonus Tips: Toilet Creature Prevention 101
Keeping critters out of your toilet takes a bit of diligence, but it’s totally doable. Here’s a quick checklist to help you stay protected:

• Keep toilet lids closed at all times—especially in homes with kids or pets.

• Install mesh drain screens and non-return valves in your plumbing.

• Don’t flush anything that could attract pests (like food, grease, or hair).

• Schedule regular plumbing inspections to catch problems early.

• If you live in an area known for pest issues, talk to a professional plumber about high-grade one-way valves and pest-proofing your pipes.

Finding an unwanted guest in your toilet bowl is definitely a homeowner’s nightmare, but with the right steps, it doesn’t have to happen to you. A bit of prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping your plumbing—and peace of mind—creature-free.