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A rat climbed out of my toilet last night. What should I do?

We recently had a drain dug in my yard and last night I saw a rat climb out of my downstairs toilet, look around, and then climb back in. When I got into the bathroom he was gone so I flushed the toilet and closed the lid.

Can anyone advise me on how I can keep the rat out. Thanks!

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  • Finn3goof_small
    Reputation: 1811

    Happens all the time.

    King County has a program and website with tips at:
    http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/rats/sewerbaiting.aspx

    I like the term "sewer baiting".

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  • Wa_usa_small
    Reputation: 2677

    You need to call a plumber and have them install a one-way flap valve in the toilet. They look like the picture below.

     

    Here is some good advice from the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management - the Rodent Proof Construction Manual written by three Agricultural Professors:

    http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/RodentExclusion.asp

    Drains and Pipes. Both rats and mice use drainage pipes or sewage systems as routes to enter buildings. Equip floor drains with metal grates held firmly in place. Grate openings should not exceed 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Maintain 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) hardware cloth over sewer roof vents in rat-infested areas. If the sewer system is known to be rat-infested, a “Rat Guard” one way flap valve may be placed in toilets (Fig. 18). Sewer laterals should be checked for openings that could allow rodent entry. Smoke producing leak detectors are often used by agencies checking sewer lines for leaks or openings. If openings are detected, replace the pipe or wrap the pipe break with 1/4-inch (0.6-cm) hardware cloth and use concrete patching material to seal the area. Rain gutter downspouts are often used by rats to gain access to roofs. It may be possible to screen over openings at the base of downspouts with 1/2-inch (0.6-cm) hardware cloth or a grate, but this will require continued maintenance to remove accumulated debris, particularly where leaves and small sticks are washed from roofs into the gutter system. Flap valves have been used here too—swinging shut except when water is flowing. Openings to floor or driveway drains should have covers. Gutter and other drain covers must be kept clean of debris to prevent water backup.

    (end quoted material)

    Yeah, you need to call a plumber right away and have them take care of this. Good luck.

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  • Kermitsex_small
    Reputation: 2421

    Kill it! KILL IT WITH FIRE!

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  • Pd_small
    Reputation: 1130

    Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

    If you need pest control services, I have a recommendation for you. Aria Environmental- www.ariapest.com They evicted some rats for us recently and do a great job.

    As for the drain issue, I guess you should talk to a plumber.

    That is the stuff of nightmares.

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  • Subcultureoftwo_small
    Reputation: 1892

    OH MY GOD

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  • Spaceship_small
    Reputation: 1812

    Take photos.
    It's hard to argue with photographic evidence.

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