As if there’s not enough to think about when going on holiday, from remembering passports to updating travel insurance and stocking up on foreign currency, a plumber has added another item to the checklist – noting which animals can climb up the toilet if the plumbing isn’t up to scratch.
But they are far from the only members of the animal kingdom capable of entering your toilet bowl.
And some are potentially deadly.
Read on for the full list, which covers creatures in the UK – and beyond.
In the UK
Rats
Mike says: ‘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
HOW TO STOP ANIMALS COMING UP THE TOILET
Mike says: ‘A non-return valve locks vermin out of your home and prevents them from using your pipes as access to get in. Installing one is a simple job, should cost no more than £200 to do and can easily be fitted by a professional.
‘It works by closing the pipe with a flap once waste has passed through it, ensuring nothing else can travel through the pipes.
Mike says: ‘While native [UK] 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. 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
Mike says: ‘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.’
Spiders
Mike says: ‘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.’
Across the globe
Cockroaches
Mike says: ‘Cockroaches can spread disease as they carry large amounts of bacteria. They are attracted to bathrooms as they thrive in warm, moist environments. Keeping your toilet clean is a good way to deter them, and a non-return valve will keep them from using the pipes to gain access.’
Possums
Mike says: ‘While they won’t cause you any harm, possums are pests and not house guests. They are tempted by the toilet due to any food waste they could eat, and like rats they can swim well and hold their breath for a long time. Non-return valves will definitely fix the problem.’
Scorpions
Mike says: ‘Scorpions are able to survive underwater for a very long time, and are used to hunting in watery areas. They are also great climbers, so can navigate U-bends with no problem at all. Pouring bleach down the toilet bowl can help prevent scorpions invading the plumbing, as well as keeping your toilet clean.’
Lizards
Mike says: ‘Lizards can be attracted to the toilet by smaller bugs, and can largely be stopped with a non-return valve. Areas with a large lizard population are most at risk, especially in summer when they are attracted by the water. Keeping your toilet bowl as clean as possible will deter the bugs that attract the lizards, so keep it sparkling to help keep lizards away.’
Venomous snakes
Mike says: ‘It’s not uncommon for venomous snakes to appear in toilets. Snakes are great swimmers and are attracted by the rats. If you are travelling to a country that has venomous snakes, make sure you check the toilet bowl before you take a seat!’
Poisonous spiders
Mike says: ‘In countries with dangerous spiders – such as Australia – it’s important to check your toilet bowl for arachnids before sitting down. Spiders don’t necessarily get in through the drains, they also get in through windows and cracks in bricks, so there’s no easy way to keep them away. Some spiders can live underwater for over 24 hours, so even if they look drowned, be cautious.’
The average white person assumes that the tanned victim may have successfully incited the power – which is typically the police – to behave in this way when confronted with Blacks’ concerns about the violence directed at them.Because of this, some white-dominant jerks in uniform have asserted that Black people would be less aggressive if they dressed better or were friendlier. However, the evidence contradicts these assertions…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
A cursory look at balanced Blacks in the United States and several documents indicate that the most of them were dressed in suits or coats and met their deaths while moving forward. This went on until one white person chose to take pleasure in their demise and killed them all. Even young children could not escape the fictitious idea of dying in this situation.
Such horrific deeds of wrath had John Hartfield as a legitimate victim. According to reports, the reason for the lynching in 1919 in Ellisville, Mississippi, was his friendship with a white woman. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
The homicide had been reported the day before in major newspapers. When Hartfield’s execution day arrived, a throng of up to 10,000 people gathered to see him hanged, shot many times, and then torched, his body torn. People who had gathered to see the tragedy were handed bits of his body as keepsake
A disturbing trend of criminal activity has emerged in Bryanston, where two women are alleged to have targeted unsuspecting men after a night out at Nostra, a popular social spot. The suspects, still at large, are accused of spiking the drinks of their victims, rendering them unconscious before proceeding to rob them of valuable possessions…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
The brazen crimes, classified as house robberies, have left authorities and the community concerned. The women’s modus operandi involves gaining the trust of their victims, often by accompanying them home, before administering the incapacitating substance. Once the men are incapacitated, the suspects allegedly help themselves to cash, bank cards, jewelry, bags, and other valuables, including cologne.
Law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects to come forward. Investigators are working diligently to gather evidence and identify the perpetrators, but the public’s assistance is crucial in bringing them to justice. The police appeal includes requests for witnesses or individuals who may have fallen victim to similar crimes to share their experiences. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
As the search for the suspects continues, authorities are cautioning men frequenting social venues to be vigilant and protective of their drinks. The cases serve as a stark reminder of the importance of situational awareness and the potential dangers of accepting rides or accompaniment from strangers, regardless of how well-intentioned they may seem. By remaining alert and reporting suspicious activity, the community can help prevent further incidents and ensure the perpetrators face justice.
What do you think about this article? Share your thoughts on the comment section.
A shocking and disturbing incident has left a community reeling after a husband discovered his wife engaging in an illicit affair with his own father-in-law. Instead of seeking answers or confronting the pair, the husband resorted to violence, fatally shooting both his wife and father-in-law. The brutality didn’t end there, as he continued to fire bullets into their lifeless bodies…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
The senseless act of violence has sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the husband’s actions as cruel and heartless. The incident raises questions about the societal pressures and emotional triggers that can drive individuals to commit such heinous crimes. While the discovery of infidelity can be devastating, resorting to violence is never an acceptable solution.
Experts emphasize the importance of addressing underlying issues through open communication, counseling, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals. The husband’s failure to engage in constructive dialogue and instead opting for violence has resulted in irreparable harm and loss of life. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked emotions and impulsive actions. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
The incident also highlights the need for greater awareness and education on conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships. The notion that “talk” could have prevented this tragedy resonates deeply. The loss of two lives, including that of a parent, underscores the gravity of this avoidable tragedy. As the community grapples with the aftermath, it is essential to promote non-violent conflict resolution and encourage individuals to seek help when faced with challenging situations.