Chances of getting a rat up here??

[Mum2thr33]

We have just had our downstairs toilet renovated (just a toilet and handbasin room). Upon inspection I’ve noticed there’s a sizeable gap where the toilet waste pipe goes into the floor inside the vanity. What’s the chances of a rat finding it’s way up here? The public waste drain is in our front garden only a few meters from the toilet which is making me fearful there’s even more chance of one getting in if it’s not properly sealed. Any advice on how to fill this in correctly?

If it is that badly sealed, I think the smell will get you before the rat does.

Assuming the gap is just cosmetic a bit of sealant should sort it.

In theory absolutely zero, as there should be a valve to stop unwanted pests climbing up. Pretty much all toilets have these fitted as rats can squeeze through very small gaps, not as small as mice, but still surprisingly small spaces.
I'm not too fond of the bald tail furry beasties, but I wouldn't worry about your toilet.

Doh, sorry just zoomed in on your photo and see what you mean, think I'd want to block that gap, could you use wire wool or silicone or expanding foam, or maybe someone better at DIY can offer a better suggestion.

Thank you everyone for your replies! 😁My dad is going to block it off for me. (Although the mere suggestion that a rat would climb up there was quickly followed by a snigger his and head in his hands) 🤣 - wondering now if I’m overreacting just a tad.. although, I’d still rather have it blocked off for peace of mind 😆

Good. Your dad will have a sniff and then seal the gap to stop mice and slugs.
If that was a gap to an open sewer, you would smell it.

That looks like the hole in the vanity unit to allow the pipe through.

If you are worried about a potential access point being the floor beneath the vanity unit, you need to know whether you have concrete floors, or floorboards. If concrete, chances are that it is already sealed. If floorboards, then access for critters to get under the floorboards will be restricted be air bricks.