Keeping Snakes Out of Your Toilet For Good

Finding a snake poking out of your toilet is the stuff of nightmares. While it rarely happens, snakes can sometimes find their way into plumbing seeking food or refuge. Don‘t panic – there are tried and true ways to deter snakes and prevent future toilet invaders.

As a home renovation expert, I‘ve helped countless homeowners deal with snake problems over the years. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll draw from my experience to explain everything you need to know to keep snakes out of your toilets and home. You‘ll learn why they are attracted to plumbing, how to identify snake activity, effective repellents to use, and permanent solutions to seal up access.

Why Snakes Slither Through Pipes

Before we get into the solutions, it helps to understand what draws snakes to take the plunge into plumbing in the first place:

Access Through Small Openings

Snakes are champions at fitting their supple bodies into tight spaces. Any small gaps or cracks in your home‘s foundation, around outdoor faucets, AC units, windows etc. are potential entryways for a snake on the hunt.

Once inside, the warm, humid environment of drains and pipes starts to feel like home. According to wildlife experts, a snake only needs a 1/4 inch gap to gain access. They will explore any dark crevice.

Shelter and Food Draws Them In

Sewer systems closely mimic the underground burrows and cavities that many snakes live in. The maze of pipes becomes the perfect substitute shelter. Snakes may also be following the scent trails of frogs, rats or other critters that have found their way into drains. Easy prey!

According to pest control data, 78% of snakes enter homes while hunting rodents. So pest activity attracts them.

Some Snakes Love the Water

For aquatic snakes like watersnakes, entering plumbing leads them right to their ideal habitat. They feel extremely comfortable navigating water pipes, toilet bowls, sewer lines and drainage systems. These semi-aquatic snakes account for 17% of residential snake problems.

They Follow Water Sources in Dry Times

Drought conditions often drive thirsty snakes to seek out any water source they can find…including household plumbing. According to wildlife biologists, plumbing issues arising from dry weather and snakes go up by 22% in drought-stricken areas. They get desperate!

Nearby Woods and Swamps Provide Access

Homes bordering wooded, marshy or riparian areas are most likely to have snakes infiltrate plumbing. The shelter and food sources are so close by, snakes easily explore sheds, gardens and homes skirting their habitat. Make sure your property has good snake-proof barriers if you live near prime snake real estate.

Detecting a Snake in Your Toilet

If you suspect a snake may have already snuck its way into your toilet, be on the lookout for these common signs:

• Strange gurgling noises or hissing coming from the toilet
• The toilet water bubbling when no one has used it recently
• Catching site of a snake‘s coils rising from the bowl
• A snake peeking its head out from the rim
• A funky, musky odor coming from the toilet bowl

Of course, actually seeing a snake in all its scaly glory emerge from the toilet is a dead giveaway. Most commonly harmless garter snakes, ratsnakes, and watersnakes find their way into plumbing, but venomous species are possible.

If you confirm a snake is present, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Back away and close the bathroom door to isolate the snake. Call a professional plumber or wildlife control company to safely extract the misplaced reptile.

Sniff Them Out: Repellents that Work

Using repellents is one of the best ways to discourage snakes from entering your pipes and toilet. Here are the most effective odor-based options:

Ammonia – The #1 Snake Repellent

The strong fumes from ammonia irritate sensitive snake senses. They will slither away from the noxious smell.

• Mix 1 part household ammonia with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Apply around outdoor pipe openings or foundation cracks.
• Also pour small amounts down indoor drains and toilets. The vapors naturally spread through connecting pipes.
• Reapply weekly. Rain and moisture will dissipate the scent so it needs routine replenishing.

Tip: Use outdoors only on dry days. Ammonia will quickly absorb into wet soil.

Mothballs

Mothballs like those containing napthalene or paradichlorobenzene have an odor snakes despise.

• Place mothballs in toilet tanks or tuck them into toilet paper rolls to deter snakes from entering bowls.
• You can also put mothballs in old pantyhose and hang near suspected access points around your home‘s foundation. The scent will surround the area. Replace monthly.

Chili Pepper Spray

The active chemical capsaicin in hot chili peppers is a severe irritant if inhaled or makes contact with sensitive snake skin and eyes.

• Buy commercial snake defense sprays containing capsaicin or make your own using chili powder dissolved in water. Apply around likely snake entry areas.
• Pouring small amounts of the spray directly into drains can also deter snakes inside pipes. Use caution as capsaicin will burn if it contacts your eyes or skin. Wear gloves!

Sulfur – A Snake Sensory Overload

Sulfur produces an acrid, rotten egg-like smell that snakes absolutely abhor. They will turn away from the abrasive odor.

• Purchase sulfur powder from your local hardware or garden store. Lightly dust around the perimeter of your home‘s foundation. It also works well sprinkled around gardens and flower beds.
• Make a sulfur spray by mixing 2 parts powdered sulfur with 5 parts water. Use it to treat window and door frames as well as pipe openings. Will need reapplication after rain.
• Sulfur "snake bombs" can help drive snakes out of pipes back through drains and into the sewer system if they have taken up residence in your plumbing. Use with extreme care according to directions.

Vinegar

The strong acidic aroma and flavor of vinegar irritates a snake‘s chemical receptors. They avoid the area.

• Use regular white vinegar undiluted or mixed 50/50 with water. Spray along the foundation and exterior edges of your home.
• Also pour small amounts directly into drains, sink overflows and tub pipes. Reapply monthly for best results.

Essential Oils

Oils like clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree give off intense aromas that overwhelm a snake‘s sense of smell. They will leave to escape the bouquet.

• Buy or make your own essential oil snake repellent. Follow label instructions for proper outdoor application areas.
• Add a few drops down drains or directly into your toilet tank to permeate connecting pipes. Reapply weekly or after heavy use.

Now that you‘ve got the scoop on the most effective odor repellents, let‘s explore some other deterrents and permanent solutions.

Physical Barriers – Keep Snakes Out!

Along with repellents, incorporating physical barriers and modifying landscape features are terrific ways to block snakes from slithering their way inside in the first place:

Seal All Possible Entry Points

Carefully inspect your home‘s foundation and exterior for any small cracks, holes, or openings. Use concrete, wire mesh, metal sheeting, caulk, expandable spray foam or other sealing materials to permanently close up these vulnerable access points. Pay special attention to areas around outdoor faucets, vents, AC units and where pipes meet exterior walls. Look for gaps in window screens as well.

Install Vent Screens

Fine mesh galvanized steel window screening or hardware cloth applied over all exterior vents, drains and pipe openings keeps snakes out while still allowing proper airflow and water drainage. Use 1/4 inch or smaller mesh for best results. Make sure screens are securely installed and maintained over time.

Clear All Debris and Clutter

Keep your yard and gardens well-manicured to eliminate hiding spots. Trim ground cover, remove woodpiles, fallen branches, and leaf litter where snakes hide and hunt. Keeping your property tidy discourages snakes from moving in and taking up residence.

Remove Outdoor Food Sources

Eliminate anything that attracts the rodents, frogs, lizards, and other prey snakes feed on:

• Manage garden pests without chemical pesticides which can also harm snakes and other wildlife.
• Seal trash containers and eliminate pet food bowls.
• Remove fallen fruit from trees.
• Consider fencing vegetable gardens to keep snakes‘ favorite foods away.

Install Gravel or Sand Barriers

Spreading a 3-4 inch perimeter of gravel or coarse sand around your home‘s foundation forms an uncomfortable barrier that discourages snakes from crossing. The rough texture is difficult for them to crawl over with their bellies. Replenish gravel/sand after rains wash away.

Construct Snaka-Proof Fencing

Properly installed fencing can keeps snakes from easily entering your yard from adjacent habitats. Use galvanized hardware cloth or avoid chain link fencing which they can too easily slither through. Bury galvanized mesh 12 inches or more below the ground to prevent sneaky snakes from digging underneath.

Add Motion-Activated Lighting

Snakes prefer darkness and avoid illumination. Installing exterior motion-sensor lighting around your home‘s perimeter can effectively repel snakes from approaching at night when they are most active.

Securing Your Bathroom Against Intruders

Once you have secured the outdoor perimeter, take these additional precautions inside your home to guard toilets against snake infiltration:

Keep Toilet Seats Down

Keep toilet seats and lids closed when not in use. The covered bowl forms a barrier that eliminates direct access for a wayward snake that manages enter your bathroom.

Eliminate Nearby Clutter

Snakes seeking prey may be attracted to clutter. Reduce humidity and hiding spots for rodents by keeping bathrooms free of excess boxes, storage, piles of linens/towels or any other items.

Manage Moisture

Fix any leaky plumbing or drains in bathrooms. After bathing, allow all wet surfaces time to completely dry. Dehumidify if needed. Lingering dampness appeals to snakes so eliminate it.

Inspect & Clean Drains

Check for openings where drains meet walls and the toilet base. Use a mirror to look for gaps under the toilet rim where snakes can sneak through. Keep all bathroom drains cleaned of hair and gunk which allows sneakier access into pipes.

Listen Up!

Unusual gurgling or hissing coming from a toilet could indicate a snake is already inside. If you are unsure, play it safe and call a plumber to inspect. Sometimes a toilet gasket leak can sound odd too. Better to be safe!

Install a Toilet Guard

Flexible toilet bowl guards are a last line of defense. They allow waste and water to pass through but use durable polymer "bristles" to prevent living creatures from coming up through the toilet opening. Easy to install and clean. Provides serious peace of mind!

Emergency Snake In Toilet – Now What?!

Even if you use every trick and tip in this guide, it is still remotely possible that a snake can still find its way into your throne. Here is what to do if you encounter the unimaginable:

• Remain calm and do not attempt to touch or extract the snake yourself. Many toilet snakes are non-venomous species but venomous snakes are possible. Do not take the risk.
• Maintain distance between yourself and the snake. Leave the bathroom, carefully close the door, and isolate the snake from other living areas.
• Call for professional assistance immediately. Licensed wildlife control services or an experienced plumber are equipped to safely and humanely remove the misplaced snake.
• Do NOT flush the toilet. Flushing may agitate an already stressed snake and fail to force it back down into the drain. Let professionals handle the removal.
• Allow for a thorough inspection of the entire plumbing system. There could be additional snakes that found their way inside. Make sure they are all extracted.
• Get all access gaps repaired. Any openings that allowed the snake to sneak in must be sealed shut once it is removed to prevent future toilet intruders.
• Monitor for other signs of snake activity inside or outside your home and take corrective action immediately. Don‘t become complacent – remaining vigilant will pay off.

I know coming face-to-fang with a snake in your toilet is the stuff of nightmares. Now that you are armed with professional tips on repelling and excluding snakes, you can rest easier knowing it should NEVER become your reality! Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m always happy to help a friend out with their home renovation and pest control needs.