In a bizarre turn of events during the sweltering summer of 2023, an Arizona woman’s homecoming was marked by a startling experience. Unbeknownst to her, a four-foot snake had found a temporary home inside her toilet bowl. Amusingly terrifying for some, this has brought to light the unsettling reality of unwanted critters making their appearance in the most unexpected places. This article seeks to offer insights into how to safeguard your sanitary spaces from unwelcome guests.
Reminiscing about her bizarre encounter, Michelle Lespron from Arizona narrates her shocking find. “I peeked under the lid, and there it was, curled up in a serene slumber,” she shared about her unexpected ordeal. Applying quick thinking, Lespron sought professional help to evict her uninvited guest from its temporary abode, capturing its disgruntled hissing on camera in the process. “The incident seems to strike a nerve with everyone I share it with,” she added, shaking her head in disbelief.
1. Snakes and Toilets: An Unlikely Duo
It’s fascinating yet unnerving to understand why snakes find toilets alluring. Toilets usually provide cool, moist, and dark surroundings, an appealing retreat for these serpents. Usually, they venture into sewer pipes chasing a meal, and post their feast, find toilets to be the easiest escape route.
Non-venomous creatures such as coachwhips are often found in toilet bowls, wiggling their way through the pipes. However, such encounters are rare in colder climates and, in most cases, restricted to residential buildings where snakes are kept as pets.
2. Unexpected Rodents: Rats
Much like their reptilian counterparts, rats find the labyrinth of pipes appealing. Most home plumbing systems link the toilet and garbage disposal, allowing the rats easy access. These resilient creatures, skilled in traversing tight spaces, often find their way into homes through these conduits. However, it’s worthwhile to note that this occurrence is not commonplace and more often, rats infiltrate homes through more accessible holes and openings.
3. Unwelcome Arborists: Spiders
Spiders, while unable to maneuver through plumbing systems, are resourceful and often make their way to toilets using unconventional routes. Some species, like the notorious black widows, often weave their webs across the bowl, a phenomenon more commonly seen in outdoor toilets not connected to plumbing. As a precautionary measure, it is always wise to inspect toilet seats, especially those located outdoors, to prevent unpleasant encounters with these creepy-crawlers.
4. Lurking Lizards
In the sunny state of Florida, homeowners have been startled by the sight of iguanas making a splash in their toilet bowls. Similarly, in Thailand, a British tourist was taken aback by an insolent monitor lizard flashing its venomous tongue at him. Lizards are attracted to water and can track it down, often ending up in toilets via open vent stacks on rooftops. Harold Rondon, a wildlife removal specialist, has noted that once these creatures find their way into the pipeline, their only escape becomes your toilet.
5. Marsupials?
In an amusing account, a San Diego woman found a baby opossum struggling in her toilet. Upon further investigation, she discovered a broken window, which allowed the creature and its companion to find their way into her home. And in 2016, an Australian home bore witness to a similar incident, with a baby possum found in its toilet. Incidents such as these, while rare, underline the need for maintaining a secure home.
6. Tips to Maintain a “Critter-free” Bathroom
Now having opened your eyes to the potential toilet terrors, we offer some tips to prevent these uncalled-for appearances. Here are a few measures you can take:
- Regular cleaning: Disinfect your toilet frequently. You can also use white vinegar or baking soda, excellent natural alternatives.
- Keep it dry: Pests are attracted to humid surroundings, so make sure to keep your bathroom dry. After showers, use a towel to wipe the floor dry, and immediately repair any leaks.
- Maintenance: Regularly flush a cleaning solution down the drains to discourage pests.
- Toilet habits: Always keep the toilet seat cover down. And before you sit, make sure to give the bowl a quick glance.
In situations where you do find a critter garden party in your toilet, let professionals take care of it. After all, battling wildlife is not everyone’s cup of tea!
Got an opinion on this subject? Or perhaps a similar funny yet eerie encounter to share? Do let us know!
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