We’ve all heard the urban legends, but seeing it with your own eyes is another thing entirely.
A recent video making the rounds on social media shows a sight that is enough to make anyone double-check the bathroom before they sit down: a large rat confidently swimming up through the U-bend and climbing out of a toilet bowl.
While it looks like a scene from a horror movie, as pest control experts serving Exeter and across Devon, we can tell you: it’s not just a myth.
How (and Why) Does This Happen?
It’s easy to think of your toilet as a “one-way street,” but for a rat, it’s a highway. Rats are incredible swimmers; they can hold their breath for up to three minutes and tread water for three days. Their ribs are hinged, meaning if they can get their head through a gap, their body will follow—making the narrow pipes of a sewer system no match for a determined rodent.
Rats usually enter the drainage system through broken pipes or cracks in the external brickwork. Once inside the sewers, they follow the scent of food or water, which leads them straight up the pipes and into residential bathrooms.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
If you see a rat in your toilet—or even if you just hear suspicious scratching behind the walls—it’s rarely a “one-off” event.
- Disease: Rats carry up to 16 known diseases, including Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease) and Typhus, which can be spread through their urine and droppings.
- Property Damage: Rats have teeth that never stop growing. They need to gnaw constantly to keep them down, meaning they can chew through floorboards, PVC pipes, and even electrical wiring, creating a fire hazard.
- Rapid Breeding: A single pair of rats can lead to an infestation of dozens in just a few months.
What Should You Do?
If you find yourself facing an “uninvited guest” in the bowl:
- Don’t Panic: Keep the lid closed. If the rat is still in the bowl, placing a heavy object on the lid can prevent it from pushing its way out into your home.
- Don’t Just Flush: Flushing rarely solves the problem. Rats are strong enough to swim back up or find another route.
- Check Your Drains: The real issue is often a fault in your drainage system. Without “proofing” the entry point, they will keep coming back.
Call the Experts
At Isca Pest Control, we specialize in the humane removal and professional proofing of rodents. We don’t just deal with the rat you see; we identify the source of the problem to ensure they don’t return.
Whether it’s installing rat blockers (non-return valves) in your drains or conducting a full property survey, our team provides a discreet, fast, and effective service across Exeter, Exmouth, and the surrounding areas.
Don’t let a viral video become your reality. If you’re worried about rodents in your home or business, contact Darren and the team today. We use unmarked vans for your privacy and offer a professional service you can trust.