Washington state officials warn of toilet rats after floods: ‘Try to stay calm’

Tips include flushing rat, squirt soap into toilet or if the rat is too large close toilet lid and call pest control experts

Residents in Washington state have been told to be aware of unwanted festive visitors before Santa comes down the chimney - rats coming up from the toilet.

Health officials in Washington warned that recent flooding in the state may sweep rodents into the sewer systems". In a Facebook post, the Seattle and King county public health department wrote: If a rat visits your toilet, take a deep breath and follow these tips," before outlining the steps to take if a rodent emerges from your commode.