I’m a plumber – your spider problem could be caused by your toilet & RATS hide in there too, here’s how to keep them out
IF you’ve noticed an increase in spiders in your home, it could be linked to your toilet, according to a pro.
Mike Flook, plumbing expert from MyBuilder.com, shared how millions of Brits could be at risk from unwelcome animals and critters swimming or climbing up their pipes, including rats.
The expert revealed that numerous pests are able to swim or climb up your plumbing into your toilet, and the way to prevent it is to install a “non return” valve
He told Fabulous: “No one wants to find a rat in their toilet – and while not common, it’s unfortunately a scenario that can happen.
“Thankfully, it can be easily prevented.
“A non return valve locks vermin out of your home and prevents them from using your pipes as access to get in.”
Here are the creatures that can climb up toilets in the UK, according to Mike…
Spiders
While we don’t have many poisonous spiders in the UK, for the arachnophobes among us, a spider in the toilet bowl is still a nasty shock.
A non return valve won’t stop spiders as they are small enough to get through, but cleaning your bowl with a citrus product may do the trick.
Rats
Rats are abundant in sewers and are good swimmers.
They are quite easily able to find their way into your toilet bowl in the absence of a non return valve.
Rats have flexible ribcages and are very athletic, able to climb rapidly and contort themselves into small spaces.
They can also hold their breath for up to three minutes, and are expert at finding air pockets in the U bends.
To top this off, rats also have the strength to lift a closed toilet lid – so closing your lid won’t stop these uninvited guests entering your home.
Snakes
While native snakes are not a problem, there are snakes in the sewers, often escaped or abandoned pets.
It’s highly unlikely that a snake will find its way into your toilet, but it has happened, and it is not at all uncommon in some countries.
In fact, in 2023 a woman in Solihull was shocked to find an unknown species of snake in her toilet bowl.
Keep pests out all summer
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps – hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths – acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants – herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes – plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Snakes are attracted to wherever prey goes – rats being an obvious one – and so can end up following them up toilets.
They also can be attracted when they are thirsty, so summer months are more of a risk when water is harder to find.
Frogs
Frogspawn can be laid in the sewers, and recently (2020) the UK experienced a mass frog invasion in toilets of a Derbyshire town as a result.
Frogs can navigate the pipes easily due to being amphibious, and while not harmful, are not desirable bathroom guests.
A non-return valve would solve this potential slimy problem.