Washington Officials Issue Toilet Rat Warning After Historic Flooding

Alarming warning for people living in Washington: Stay vigilant about rats emerging from toilets.

Public health officials in Seattle and King County released an advisory Thursday stating that intense rainfall and flooding caused by consecutive atmospheric rivers could have displaced rodents, pushing them into urban sewer systems.

The department shared a cartoon illustration on its social media accounts, offering guidance on steps residents should take if they encounter these unwanted rodents in their toilets. (RELATED: Worries Grow For Christmas Eve As Los Angeles Area Facing Rare ‘High Risk’ Of Life-Threatening Flooding)

“The heavy rain and floodwaters may sweep rodents into the sewer systems. If a rat visits your toilet, take a deep breath and follow these tips,” said officials in the post on Facebook.

Health officials recommend that if residents encounter a rat in their toilet, they should remain composed, close the lid and attempt to flush the animal down.

NEW THIS MORNING: Beware of RATS after this week’s heavy rain and flooding, Public Health-Seattle & King County warns!

Yikes!#WaWx pic.twitter.com/XTVQ7Md77v

— Steve McCarron KOMO (@SteveTVNews) December 19, 2025

If flushing doesn’t succeed, residents should pour some dish soap into the bowl. The soap makes it easier for the rat to be carried away into the sewer system after flushed. Residents might need to repeat the process multiple times until the rodent is fully removed.

Authorities warn that a bigger rat might resist being flushed away and could climb out of the toilet.

Should that occur, officials recommend contacting a professional pest control service.

Over several days, Washington State endured unprecedented flooding triggered by a series of atmospheric rivers that struck the area.

Thousands of locals had to evacuate their houses as rising floodwaters began infiltrating residences.

Statewide infrastructure suffered extensive damage, with key highways, bridges and whole neighborhoods completely wrecked.

It’s anticipated that assessing the full scope of the destruction will likely require several weeks.