If you are wondering why bugs and other pests pay your bathroom a visit, it’s because of all the moisture. And when we’re talking about the toilet seat, in particular, many people fail to clean it consistently and in detail. Flushing isn’t enough, since there is the residue left behind and that is enough to attract all the wrong guests.
Bright Side wants you to know that many pests can crawl into your house through your toilet and that there are ways to prevent this from happening.
1. Snakes
Snakes just love cool, wet, and dark places and that’s why your toilet pipes can be very intriguing to them. But, what drives them there in the first place is the sewer that has food remnants that they can feed on. When they are finished with their food in the sewer, they will look for a way out and the pipes are the easiest and quickest route. However, you shouldn’t be afraid if you live in a cold environment, since snakes will only sneak up in toilets in warm countries.
It’s usually harmless snakes that crawl through the pipes, like garden or tree snakes. That’s because these snakes are slimmer than venomous ones and can fit through the pipes. Although, some anacondas have appeared in people’s toilets in South America and Australia.
2. Rats
Like snakes, rats are also in constant pursuit of food and our pipes can be very appealing to them. In houses where the toilet and garbage disposal end up in the same pipes, rats are more likely to find a way in. And because their anatomy is very bendy, they can swim through the pipes and hold their breath for minutes before they need air.
So, it’s not just important to discard your food remnants in a trash bag but to also never flush food down the toilet. If there is no food in the pipes, rats won’t have any reason to try and enter your sewage system. You should also keep the toilet cover closed at all times and maybe install a rat guard. This allows water to exit the pipes whenever you flush, but nothing can come up in the opposite direction.
3. Spiders
With spiders, things get a bit more complex, since they can’t swim in your pipes, but they can appear in your bathroom through another passage. And when they get in, they will probably sit outside the toilet seat. Only black widows will crawl inside the toilet and weave their web from side to side. But, that will happen only in an outdoor toilet that doesn’t have plumbing and that isn’t connected to a sewer system.
That’s where these venomous spiders thrive since there are many flies that they can catch for food. That’s also why you need to always check the seat thoroughly before using an outhouse toilet. Spiders, like the black widow, the brown recluse, and the hobo spider won’t have any trouble biting you.
4. Lizards
In the Southwest United States, lizards coming through the toilet pipes are a quite common occurrence. That’s because these creatures love water and they try to find food wherever they can. Crickets and other insects (like flies) can be found a lot in your toilet’s plumbing if it’s not kept decently clean. The lizards that can achieve this are usually small enough that they can fit through the pipes.
5. Possums
In 2008, a man was in his bathroom in Australia when he saw the water in the toilet gurgling. Moments later, a baby possum appeared and this is not the first time this has happened. On another occasion, a woman found a dead possum in her toilet. These unusual guests are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for a long time — that’s why they can crawl into your toilet.
How to prevent and react to these occurrences
- Keep your toilet clean: This may sound obvious, but you really need to clean your toilet often and neatly. Disinfecting cleaners are perfect for that job and if you want something cheaper you can resort to white wine vinegar or baking soda. You can also get one of those fresheners that stick on the side of the toilet and release a nice smell every time you flush.
- Keep it dry: Most pests love humidity and that’s why they will be attracted to wet bathroom floors. So, it’s important to get rid of any standing water from the sink or the floor after you’ve taken a shower. If you notice any leaks in your plumbing, call a technician immediately and get them fixed.
- Clean your pipes naturally: In a bowl, add equal parts of sugar, water, vinegar, and 5-10 drops of dish soap. Mix all of this together and pour it down the toilet or in your bathroom sink. You can also pour some boiling water into the toilet.
- Call a pest control company: If you don’t have the time or courage to deal with pests yourself, call professionals and let them use their heavy cleaners. After that is done, you can occasionally throw water mixed with a cleaning solution down the drain to make sure no pest will climb up into the toilet.
Have you ever found an uninvited guest in your toilet — if so, what was it and how did you react?
Add 3 ice cubes to the washing machine: You can’t imagine what happens to your laundry
While many individuals grapple with the perennial dilemma of finding the perfect outfit that seamlessly combines comfort and workplace appropriateness, the added stress of discovering wrinkles on said outfit with no time for ironing can be disheartening. Fear not, as a swift and effective laundry hack is here to alleviate at least one of these wardrobe challenges.
In the realm of TikTok, known for its eclectic mix of advice, some hidden gems can be unearthed, such as this remarkable laundry hack. Originally posted a couple of years ago by the TikTok channel @howdoesshe, the hack resurfaced and gained renewed attention on the internet. Demonstrated by @howdoesshe, the video divulges a simple yet effective method for banishing unwanted wrinkles and creases from clothing.
The caption accompanying the viral video reads: “The moisture from the ice will get all the wrinkles out. No more ironing or wrinkle spray”, offering a glimpse into the magic of this laundry hack. The process involves placing a few ice cubes along with the wrinkled garment in the dryer. Subsequently, running the dryer on high heat for a few minutes allows the ice cubes to melt, generating steam that magically erases the wrinkles.
The feedback from followers on this laundry hack has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the newfound ease of achieving wrinkle-free clothing. Comments like “I’ve tried this and it works sooooo good! Better than a wet rag! Really!” and “Yup… use this trick all the time!!” attest to the hack’s effectiveness.
Interestingly, the use of ice cubes in laundry hacks extends beyond wrinkle removal. Another practical application involves using ice cubes to combat food stains, whether fresh or set-in. Placing an ice cube on the stain for several seconds, followed by dabbing with a clean paper towel or napkin, can effectively eliminate the stain. Some sources even suggest that this ice-based method works for sticky messes like gum, where the ice helps harden the mess for easy removal.
Ice cubes prove to be surprisingly versatile in household chores, assisting in tasks such as removing grease and grime from a garbage disposal, thereby freshening up the kitchen and eliminating lingering odors. With a growing preference for natural alternatives to harsh chemicals, it’s evident that the internet is a treasure trove of wisdom, offering solutions to everyday problems.
Amidst the plethora of information online, it’s essential to exercise discernment and experimentation, as varying circumstances may yield different results. While not every online tip may be valid, the abundance of DIY solutions, such as the laundry hack showcased by @howdoesshe, highlights the power of shared knowledge in making daily life a bit more manageable. So, whether it’s finding inventive laundry hacks or discovering new ways to simplify household chores, the internet has much to offer for those willing to explore and test the waters.
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