It's rare but possible for a rat to come up your toilet, more likely in older cities with large sewer rat populations, during heavy rains, or with damaged plumbing, as rats can swim and climb pipes to find food or escape floods. While uncommon, the risk increases with sewer issues, food waste in drains, or large local infestations, making it a real, though infrequent, phenomenon that requires action like installing sewer valves and keeping toilet lids closed.
Rats make their way into toilets via sewer pipes. How does a rat get in your toilet? Rats can follow the scent of food washed down your drains and into the sewers. Old side sewers and plumbing may also make your home more at risk.
To control rats, start by removing food sources like fruit left out overnight. Declutter areas to eliminate nesting spots, focusing on piles of paper and clothing. Seal entry points with steel wool or caulk. Use snap traps or bait stations placed along walls where rats travel.
Yes -- though it's uncommon, there are documented and reported cases of rats biting people while they sleep. The phenomenon occurs more frequently where rodents are abundant, living conditions allow easy access to sleeping areas, or individuals are immobile (ill, elderly, intoxicated, or heavily sedated).
Myth 5: Flushing rodents down the toilet is harmless
Both mice and rats can sometimes survive being flushed, and doing so can also harm your septic or sewer system. Flushing rodents can lead to clogs, backups, and other plumbing problems, so proper disposal is the safer choice.
Mice and rats are among the most frequent invaders of sewer systems. If you've ever wondered, "Can mice come through drains?" the answer is yes. They can easily travel through plumbing systems, including those in your kitchen or bathroom.
“Rats are most scared of predator scents, strong smells like peppermint or vinegar, sudden loud noises, and barriers they can't chew through. These triggers exploit their natural survival instincts and drive them away.”
What most people mistake for bites are the fact that rats will crawl all over you while you're sleeping. These researchers explain that a rat will not biting you, but it's sharp little claws and feelers that are on its feet will become irritating to you and give you the feeling that you have been bitten by a rat.
They usually went for the eyes first and then they burrowed their way right into the corpse.
This is because rats and mice are nocturnal animals and tend to come out around 12am – 3am looking for food. If you do see rats or mice in the daytime then you have a much larger problem.
The best way to get rid of rats or mice is by using traps. If using spring loaded traps for rats, bait three of them in a row without setting them. Bait with dried fruit, peanut butter mixed with oats, or cheese.
Steps
Inside, rats can be found hiding out in holes, cracks, and crevices; climbing up through drains in bathrooms and kitchens; behind cabinets; behind and under appliances; in air ducts and ventilation systems; in piles of clutter; in storage containers; in hollow walls; and in crawlspaces, attics, garages, and basements.
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.
It is often referred to as the brown rat, common rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, Brown Norway rat, Norwegian rat, or wharf rat. Rats have coarse fur that is usually dark grey or brown on the backside and light grey or brown on the underside. Rats can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in body length.
Wild rats are not used to human contact and will bite when handled or when people attempt to feed them by hand. The nocturnal creatures have also been known to bite sleeping people, particularly children and infants, on exposed body parts such as fingers, hands, toes and the face when foraging for food.
Sleeping with the lights on will not effectively keep rats away.
Rats cannot climb smooth, slippery surfaces like glass, polished metal, or slick tiles due to lack of grip. How do I stop rats from climbing my walls? To prevent rats from climbing your walls, install smooth metal wall guards, trim overhanging tree branches, and seal any gaps or holes in the walls.
Mothballs
The strong chemical smell they give off also makes them effective repellent for rats, but it is also toxic to them. This is because mothballs contain active ingredients like paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene, which are fumigants toxic to both animals and people.
Rats may leave if food and shelter are eliminated, but active measures are usually necessary for complete removal.
Many studies suggest that sounds above 30 kHz are particularly annoying to rats. I've worked with ultrasonic repellents in pest control, and while they may not be a silver bullet, they can definitely create an unwelcoming environment for them.
From there, they can climb and swim their way into homes through unsealed plumbing. What should I do if I find a rat in my toilet? Stay calm, close the toilet lid, and add dish soap to reduce its ability to climb or breathe. Call pest control for safe removal and to inspect your plumbing.
Rats and mice are nocturnal with most activity taking place between approximately one half hour after sunset to about one half hour before sunrise. Garbage is an excellent food source for rodents. Store garbage and rubbish in rodent-proof containers.
It's possible to repel rats using essential oils such as peppermint oil and other smells that they naturally don't like. Using peppermint oil is one of the easiest ways to keep rats away from your home as long as you aren't giving them an easy food source.