Recent heavy rain and flooding has created a scary scenario for people around Seattle and King County, Washington: the chance that rats may pop up out of toilets there!

The Public Health agency for King County and Seattle, Washington is providing tips on their Facebook page for this unfortunate situation. “The heavy rain and floodwaters may sweep rodents into the sewer systems,” the agency warns.

The agency tells people in the region that “if a rat visits your toilet, take a deep breath” and follow tips like these:

– Try to stay calm
– Close the lid and flush the toilet! If the rat is still there, keep the lid closed and close the bathroom door! Rush to the kitchen and grab a bottle of dish soap.
– Add the soap to the toilet and flush repeatedly until the rat leaves. The soap helps the rat slide down the toilet drain.
– A large rat may not flush back down. If this is the case, keep the lid closed and contact a pest control company. If the rat escapes, close the door and set a trap.
– To report a problem with rats, call Public Health at 206-263-9566 or go to kingcounty.gov/rats . The agency also suggests calling in a plumber to check side sewer and toilet connections after the incident.

The Public Health Agency says rats come up through toilets for three reasons. First, rats smell food or grease and waste from something as innocent as a garbage disposal may attract them into your pipes. Second, flooding or high water in the sewer system after a heavy rain washes rats into the sewer system. Third, old sewers and plumbing make it easier for rats to find their way into your home so they can escape.