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Can a rat come through your toilet?

Yes, they can. According to the video seen above from National Geographic, it's actually pretty easy for them to do so. Rats have underrated swimming capabilities and can hold their breath for up to 3 minutes. That's long enough for them to swim from the sewer line into and up through your toilet.

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Having a wise, adorable, mentor rat as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had back in the day sounds good. However, rats don’t seem to understand us when we tell them to leave. Although some people enjoy rats as cute, cuddly pets, the majority of us are not so fond of them. In fact, there are many diseases rats can spread to you and even your pets. As you can see, it’s important to keep them out of your house every way you can. But, can rats climb toilets? The answer to this urban legend as old as toilets may surprise you.

Can Rats Climb Toilets? (SPOILER ALERT: YES)

Yes, they can. According to the video seen above from National Geographic, it’s actually pretty easy for them to do so. Rats have underrated swimming capabilities and can hold their breath for up to 3 minutes. That’s long enough for them to swim from the sewer line into and up through your toilet. Furthermore, fitting in through tight spaces isn’t a problem for them. Some small rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter.

How Often Does This Happen?

Animal control experts say it rarely happens and is more likely in larger cities with big sewer systems. The good news? You’re not likely to see a rat during a late-night or home movie bathroom break. According to animal control experts, they say only 1 of a 1000 calls for rodents has been entering the home through a toilet. So rest easy, but always look before you sit!

What To Do If You Find a Rat in The Toilet?

We suggest if you find a rat in the toilet, shut the lid of the toilet and put something heavy on top of it. The rat may be able to pop open the lid of the toilet seat if there isn’t any weight on top of it. Fortunately, there are many qualified pest control professionals in the area to call if this happens. Call them and they should be able to get rid of your pesky problem. If you have any other commercial plumbing issues that need fixing, take action, and contact Action Plumbing. Our expert team of commercial plumbers is there to get the job done quickly for you.

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What are signs of rat infestation?

Look for signs of rat or mouse infestation: Rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink. Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter. Signs of chewing on food packaging. Holes chewed through walls and floors that create entry points into the home. More items... •

Información relacionada disponible en español

You may never see a mouse or rat unless an infestation is severe. Look for signs of rat or mouse infestation: Rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink.

Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter.

Signs of chewing on food packaging.

Holes chewed through walls and floors that create entry points into the home.

Stale smells coming from hidden areas.

Discourage rats and mice from taking up residence on your property by removing food and water sources, and items that can provide them shelter: Seal holes inside and outside the home to keep rodents out. This may be as simple as plugging small holes with steel wool, or patching holes in inside or outside walls. Remove potential rodent nesting sites from your property, including leaf piles and deep mulch. Clean up food and water sources in and near your house. Keep kitchen garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids. Turn compost piles to cover newly added food scraps. Stop feeding outdoor birds while you are controlling an infestation or feed only huskless items that leave less residue that can be food for rodents.

More prevention tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Design your buildings to exclude rodents (PDF) and use rodent-proof construction methods.

See pictures of and information about rodents commonly found in the United States:

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