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?
Should You Rinse Ground Beef?
Ground beef is that reliable, adaptable ingredient that can be used to make delicious burgers, a substantial spaghetti sauce, or even a superb taco filling. However, there is a burning query that has been roiling in kitchens: should ground beef be rinsed before or after cooking? Gather your wit and an apron as we delve into the specifics of this culinary puzzle.
Supporters of Rinsing
Let us begin with the hygienic freaks in the kitchen. To cut down on fat content, several home cooks swear by washing ground beef. Yes, they really do think that giving your supper a brief rinse can be like a knight in shining armor, saving it from turning into an oily nightmare. If you’re trying to lose weight or you just don’t like oily, drippy food, this can be food heaven.
Reasons not to rinse
Hold your horses, or rather, your meat, for there is a camp opposed to rinsing in the opposite corner of the ring. Cooks like these cook that washing ground beef is like taking a one-way ticket to flavor town that takes a detour. Some contend that washing away whisks away the flavorful liquids that give your food its delicious texture. Consider this: the succulent flavor and delectable texture of your food come from the fat and fluids. Eliminating them could result in a tasteless, parched food that could even make your dog sneer.
Untidy Procedure and Plumbing Dangers
And let’s speak about the mess if you’re still not convinced by the flavor argument. When ground beef is rinsed, the kitchen might become a greasy wasteland. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds to wrestle the meat under flowing water, I assure you.
There’s also the dangerous risk to your plumbing. If you flush that fat down the drain, you’re essentially inviting a party that clogs pipes. Fat freezes more quickly than you can say “plumber bills,” which can result in poor drainage and expensive repairs down the road. The wise method of getting rid of fat? Allow it to firm and cool before scraping it into a trash can. And presto! The issue is resolved.
There you have it, people. The decision to rinse or not to rinse is ultimately a question of taste. Consider the benefits and drawbacks that we have listed here and make your decision depending on your gastronomic goals. The next time you’re preparing food using ground beef, keep in mind to choose a recipe that will give you the flavors and textures you want, regardless of whether you’re team rinse or team no-rinse. Salutations!
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