Pest Management News From PPM - November, 2016

Can Rats Really Climb Up Out Of Your Toilet?

Unfortunately, this isn’t an urban myth – the answer is yes.

You would be forgiven for thinking that it’s impossible for a rodent that big to be able to crawl up through the twisted innards of a toilet but as gross as the thought is, it’s true.

National Geographic has shared a video documenting just how those pesky critters can enter your home through the sewers. Before we take a look at that, though, let’s see how it’s all achievable.

This is all possible due to three main reasons:

1) Claws

Sharp claws allow rats to climb surfaces that you would think are unscalable by an animal. Wet, almost vertical surfaces are no match for these rodents so climbing up sewer pipes is easy.

2) Holding Their Breath

Ok, so rats can climb, but how can they crawl up through a toilet filled with water? Tests have shown that rats can hold their breath underwater for three minutes. In fact, they can tread water for three days! No wonder they can survive easily down in the sewers.

3) Collapsible Ribcage

Being able to climb and hold your breath is impressive but as shown in the side-on image of the toilet above, the inner-plumbing is extremely narrow. How can an animal as large as a rat possibly squeeze through? As you’ll see in the video below, rats have ribs that are hinged along the spine which allows them to collapse when they are attempting to push through a thin aperture. If a rat can get its head through a hole then the rest of its body can easily follow.

Just because rats are highly adaptable to their urban environment doesn’t mean that PPM can’t deal with them. Our highly trained pest control technicians are more than ready to remove your rat problem for you. Give us a call and get rid of your rat problem today.