Squat with caution: Tips for avoiding Florida's toilet invaders
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Florida is known for many things: beautiful beaches, shady politicians and exotic wildlife both in and out of the home.
Why it matters: It's something of a ritual for Miamians to check for porcelain predators before using the restroom — especially at night when it's dark and you're half-asleep.
- One of the most invasive creatures we have is the iguana, which has made a habit of invading people's toilets and making the local news.
- The latest sighting happened in Hollywood earlier this month, when homeowner John Riddle "thought I was in 'Jurassic Park' or something," after finding a lizard in his toilet bowl, per WSVN 7.
What they're saying: Ryan Goodman of Critter Control, tells Axios that iguanas aren't the only creatures known to get into people's plumbing: He's had to remove rats and snakes from toilets before.
- "We're in South Florida. There's wildlife everywhere," he says.
How it works: Pests can crawl in through an opening in the plumbing stacks on your roof and then bypass the bathroom's P-trap, which can dry out when the toilet isn't being flushed enough.
- Goodman recommends snowbirds leave their water service on after leaving town and that homeowners get a friend to house-sit and flush the toilets when they go on vacation.
Between the lines: Luckily for homeowners with septic tanks, pests typically only get into the plumbing of homes connected to the city sewer system, Goodman says.
Be smart: Make sure your home is sealed off, to limit where pests can enter.
Bottom line: Goodman says he feels confident in his home's defense against toilet invaders and doesn't worry, but his wife still checks.
- "Chances are more slim when you're flushing your toilet a lot."