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5 critters that can crawl through your toilet & how to fight them

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#### **Why They Crawl Through Toilets**
Cockroaches tend to prefer warm, humid environments with access to food and water. Bathrooms are the perfect places for them to thrive due to the moisture from the shower, sink, and toilet. If there are gaps in the plumbing or cracks around the toilet, cockroaches can squeeze through them to find their way into your home. They are adept at moving through the pipes, which can lead them straight to the toilet.

#### **Risks Posed by Cockroaches**
– **Health Issues**: Cockroaches are notorious for spreading diseases, bacteria, and allergens. They often roam through trash and decaying matter, picking up harmful bacteria that they can transfer to surfaces in your bathroom, including your toilet. The bacteria they carry can lead to illnesses like food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and even more serious diseases.
– **Allergic Reactions**: Cockroach droppings, saliva, and body parts can trigger allergies, particularly for sensitive individuals. Asthma attacks, skin rashes, and respiratory issues are common reactions to cockroach allergens.

#### **How to Fight Cockroaches**
– **Seal Cracks and Gaps**: Cockroaches often enter through gaps in pipes or cracks around your toilet. Inspect your bathroom carefully for any holes, gaps, or cracks, and seal them up using caulk or other appropriate sealants.
– **Keep the Bathroom Clean**: Cockroaches are attracted to food particles and moisture. Clean the bathroom thoroughly, paying attention to any potential food debris or water sources. Also, wipe down surfaces regularly to remove any lingering food particles.
– **Use Insect Traps**: Sticky traps can help monitor the presence of cockroaches. Place them around the bathroom, near plumbing connections or drains, to capture any roaches before they make their way into the toilet.
– **Pest Control Products**: Cockroach bait stations, sprays, and powders can be placed around the bathroom to kill any roaches. These products contain poison that roaches will carry back to their nests, eliminating the entire colony.

### **2. Drain Flies (Also Known as Sink Flies or Sewer Flies)**

Drain flies, also known as sink flies or sewer flies, are small, dark-colored flies that often infest bathrooms. These pesky insects breed in the organic material that builds up in the pipes and drains of sinks, tubs, and toilets. Though harmless to humans, drain flies can be a nuisance, and their presence in your toilet is not something you want to ignore.

#### **Why They Crawl Through Toilets**
Drain flies are attracted to decaying organic matter and standing water, making toilets a prime spot for them to thrive. When food particles, soap scum, and other organic debris accumulate in the pipes, drain flies lay their eggs in this material. Once hatched, the larvae feed on the organic material, allowing the flies to continue their lifecycle.

#### **Risks Posed by Drain Flies**
– **Unpleasant Odor**: The buildup of organic material in your pipes can produce a foul odor, which is exacerbated by the presence of drain flies. They feed on decaying matter, and their larvae excrete waste that adds to the unpleasant smell.
– **Unsightly Presence**: Drain flies can quickly multiply and infest your bathroom. While they are not known to spread diseases, the sight of flies buzzing around your toilet or sink is not something anyone wants to deal with.

#### **How to Fight Drain Flies**
– **Clean Your Drains**: The first step in fighting drain flies is to eliminate the organic matter in your pipes. Use a drain cleaner to remove gunk buildup. You can also pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains to help dislodge any debris.
– **Use Insecticidal Soap**: Insecticidal soap can be sprayed directly onto the flies to kill them. You can purchase ready-made insecticidal soap, or you can create your own by mixing mild dish soap with water and a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus.
– **Install Drain Covers**: Preventing flies from entering your toilet starts with protecting your pipes. Use drain covers or mesh screens to block flies from coming up through the pipes.
– **Regular Maintenance**: Make a habit of regularly cleaning your drains with a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to prevent the buildup of organic material and deter drain flies.

### **3. Rats and Mice**

Though it may sound like something out of a horror movie, it’s not uncommon for rats and mice to invade your home via the toilet. These rodents can crawl through the plumbing, especially in older buildings with damaged or poorly sealed pipes. If you have a rodent problem, your bathroom could be one of the places they make their entrance.

#### **Why They Crawl Through Toilets**
Rats and mice are skilled climbers and swimmers. If there are cracks or open pipes in the plumbing system, they can enter through the toilet or drain pipes. Once inside, they may use the toilet as a means of entering the rest of your home, especially in search of food or nesting areas.

#### **Risks Posed by Rats and Mice**
– **Health Hazards**: Rats and mice are known to carry a variety of diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus. They can transmit these diseases through their urine, droppings, and saliva. These rodents can also contaminate food and surfaces in your bathroom.
– **Damage to Property**: Rodents are notorious for chewing through wires, insulation, and pipes. If they gain access to your home through the toilet, they may cause damage to your plumbing, electrical systems, and walls.

#### **How to Fight Rats and Mice**
– **Seal Entry Points**: Inspect your plumbing for any cracks, holes, or gaps in the pipes that could allow rodents to enter. Use caulk or other sealants to close these gaps. Ensure that the toilet itself is sealed tightly to the floor and wall.
– **Trap and Poison**: Use rodent traps and poisons around the bathroom and other entry points. Snap traps are effective for capturing rats, while bait stations can help attract and eliminate mice.
– **Professional Pest Control**: If you have a severe rodent infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control service. They can safely handle the problem and eliminate the rodents before they cause more damage.


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