As humans clear more forest and land where snakes live, these animals find places to live, therefore become more common in urban and rural communities. While it is a rare occurrence for a snake to enter a toilet, when it does happen, the event can cause panic among the home’s residents. The death of Lance Corporal Bercy, a Nigerian Air Force personnel who was bitten by a snake in her toilet last week is a good example. This news had led to widespread talks and fear all over the country. Nigerians have began paying extra attention to their water closets and toilet bowls.
Some people are so scared of snakes that a mere sight can leave them unconsciousness.
How Snakes enter the toilet
A snake can get into an opening on the connecting pipes, the inspection chamber, septic tank, soak-away pit (like a big crack on the cover slab) and conveniently make its way into the pipe that links the toilet bowl to these structures, then up, into the house. The vent pipe is usually the weakest point when it is not properly covered or its cover fall off and is left unattended.
Preventing them
There are venomous and non venomous snakes but they can be very dangerous. Venomous snakes are deadly so it’s important to know very precise solution that can get rid of snakes and also stop them from entering your house in the first place.
So what are the best ways to prevent and get rid of snakes?
Clean Your Drainage
Snakes can also travel through drainage so if your drainage are not clean and is filled with stagnant drain water then snakes may travel through that and can reach your house. Snakes can move faster and more easily through water and if those drains are not covered and they are close to your house then chances of snakes entering your house increases many folds. Remember that toilet pipes and kitchen sinks are also connected to drainage, so it is important you cover your drains especially if that is close to your house. This step alone will reduce the chances of snakes from entering your house.
Eliminate Snake Food
A snake’s primary food sources are rodents, lizards, geckoes, etc. Where rodents love to hang out are places snakes would likely come to. What you should do is keep anything that will attract rodents to your house – rodents are found in toilets, kitchens and dirty places. It is your responsibility to make your environments clean, clear bushy places and cracks that can habour these rodents.
I know how hard it can be to maintain everything, especially when most of us work as well. But, the more trimmed and cleaned up the areas around your house are, the more you can curb snake activity.
Try to weed your gardens if you have one. Weeding can be a lot of work and time-consuming, but it keeps the snakes (and rodents) away.
Seal All Cracks And Crevices
Snakes are notorious for hiding in cracks and crevices. You may not be even be aware of this cracks and crevices but even small cracks or crevices are good enough to allow them to enter your house so you need to make sure there is no crackers and provinces from where they can enter. This is why home maintenance is very important and should regularly be done.
Check your home for cracks, broken screens, and such to make sure the snakes can’t find a way to slither inside your home. They can slither into a really small space, so make sure you do your best to patch up any holes they can get into. This step will prevent them from entering your house.
Use Snake Repellent- Vinegar and Cedar oil
Vinegar is effective at keeping snakes out of bodies of water like ponds and swimming pools. So, if you find yourself with a snake problem and they’re getting into these areas on your property, put some vinegar in to help keep them out.
Cedar oil has a powerful scent and gives off phenols that repel snakes. You can use cedar oil anywhere you don’t want them to come around like your toilet. You can also use cedar shavings in places that are prone to snake problems so long as you don’t have livestock in those areas. Simply spread the shavings around and you’ve got yourself an easy snake repellent (that smells pretty good).
There are other snake repellents sold in stores and supermarkets. You can purchase these and spray them. There are also snake repellent plants – you can grow them and place their leaves around likely areas like the toilet where snakes can be found. Examples of these plants are lemon grass, marigold, bitter kola, etc.
Use Garlic Spray to Keep Snakes Away
Garlic and onions are thought to be one of the most effective ways to repel snakes because they contain sulfonic acid, the chemical that causes us to cry when we chop onions. Snakes are highly sensitive to smells. Snakes don’t like the smell of garlic or onion. You can make a simple repellent using garlic and onions
You’ll should infuse some oil with garlic so the odor is really potent. You can use the spray in any area you want to repel snakes away from, including inside and around your water system. This spray is perfect for places like doorways, windowsills, crawlspaces or basements, and even around the perimeter of your home.
Be forewarned, though, it takes a large amount and you will have to reapply it after a heavy rain or every 2-3 weeks to maintain effectiveness.
Install sieve along the sewer
Installing sieve along the sewer in the restroom will keep snakes away from gaining entry to your toilet. In taking an extra effort, you can get a technician to install a snake grill or a net large enough to prevent snakes from crawling up the water route that is an exit to the drain.
Ensure Proper Fumigation of your toilet
Constant fumigation of your home, in general, is also a good step to prevent snakes from gaining entrance into your toilet. You can fumigate your sewage system every six months using special pesticides designed for such a purpose. This fumigation will also keep away rodents, lizards and all creatures who are food snakes like to eat.
WARNING !!!
If you suspect the snake in the toilet might be venomous or you have no idea what type of snake it is, do not disturb it. Exit the bathroom and contact your local animal control officials.
Be Vigilant !!!
One thing you also need to do after putting the needed measures in place is to check your toilet sink properly before sitting down on it. If you’re using the toilet, ensure the room is well illuminated. Being vigilant helps you to easily spot anything that could hurt you.