If You Thought Rats Only Enter Through the Basement, Think Again
It’s the middle of the night. You hear faint scratching above your ceiling or near your upstairs window. It’s not your imagination—and it’s not just in your walls. The truth is: rats are skilled climbers, and yes, they can scale walls with surprising ease.
At Talent Termite, we’ve seen rats reach attics, upper-story balconies, and even crawlspaces sealed off with the best intentions. If you’ve ever wondered, can rats climb walls?—the answer is a definitive yes. And we’re here to explain how, why, and what you can do about it.
Learn how Talent Termite protects homes from sneaky climbers like these
Why Can Rats Climb Walls So Easily?
To understand how rats can scale vertical surfaces, we have to look at their biology. Rats are evolution’s little mountaineers.
- Sharp claws: Their five-toed feet act like grappling hooks, gripping onto even the narrowest cracks in brick or wood.
- Textured pads: These help them generate friction, allowing them to climb without slipping.
- Long tails: A rat’s tail functions as a balance tool, especially when navigating wires, vines, or tree limbs.
- Light but strong bodies: A typical rat weighs less than a can of soup but can scale rough walls like a rock climber on mission.
They don’t just climb—they do it with precision and purpose. While mice might scale for curiosity, rats often climb with intent: food, shelter, or both.
Worried rats may be scaling your walls? Get a free inspection
What Kind of Walls Can Rats Climb?
Not all surfaces are equal in the eyes (or paws) of a rat. Here’s a breakdown of common materials:
Climbable Surfaces:
- Brick: The gaps between bricks provide the perfect “ladder” for rats.
- Wood Siding: Rough, textured, and full of grip points.
- Stucco and Concrete Block: Imperfect textures are exactly what rats look for.
- Vines and Ivy: These act as natural climbing ropes up your walls.
Harder-to-Climb Surfaces:
- Polished Glass: Too smooth to grip.
- Metal Panels or Flashing: Unless corroded or textured, these stop rats in their tracks.
- Glossy Tiles: Smooth and slick—rats usually avoid them.
But remember: even if your exterior wall is smooth, drainpipes, cables, trellises, or nearby trees can offer rats a backdoor to your upper floors.
Read why Talent Termite focuses on full-perimeter inspections—not just ground-level gaps
What Attracts Rats to Climb Your Walls?
Rats don’t climb walls for fun. When they do, it’s usually because your home offers something they desperately want:
- Warmth and shelter in attics or roof voids
- Food sources, especially kitchens with easy access
- Moisture, from leaking pipes or blocked gutters
- Darkness and safety, especially in wall cavities and soffits
In fact, most roof-level rat infestations originate from inside wall cavities. Norway rats, the most common urban species, often start in sewers or drains, then move vertically—inside your home’s hidden architecture—through insulation, mortar gaps, and pipe boxes. If your home is situated in a high-rise or surrounded by hard-to-reach areas, it’s even more important to address your rat-proofing efforts, as high-rise window cleaning can be dangerous without the right precautions. Here’s why high-rise window cleaning can be dangerous and why proper pest control is key in these types of buildings.
Let our pros identify where the rats are really getting in
Can Rats Really Climb Multi-Story Buildings?
Yes, and they do. In fact, reports of rats reaching 4th or even 7th-floor balconies are not uncommon—especially in urban areas. It all depends on:
- The texture of your exterior walls
- Proximity to cables, vines, or nearby trees
- Available gaps or entry points at higher levels
We’ve seen cases where rats scaled brick walls up to balconies, squeezed into open window frames, or even entered through unsealed vent covers.
One Reddit user shared a story of a rat appearing on a 7th-floor balcony, seemingly out of nowhere. The likely culprit? A red brick exterior wall—a rodent’s version of a rock-climbing gym.
Have a balcony or high-level unit? Ask about our custom rat-blocking solutions
How to Prevent Rats from Climbing and Entering Your Home
- Eliminate climbing aids
- Trim trees and overhanging branches near your roof.
- Remove ivy or vines growing on your walls.
- Seal high-entry points
- Cover attic vents, chimney flues, and roofline gaps with metal mesh.
- Use weather-resistant sealant on utility pipe gaps.
- Use smooth materials
- Install vertical flashing or panels of metal or glass where feasible.
- Use tile or stone veneer for fences or retaining walls.
- Eliminate attractants
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Fix leaks and reduce standing water.
- Empty trash bins regularly and use tight lids.
- Book professional inspection
Even small flaws—like an unsealed pipe or a warped fascia board—can give rats just enough room to squeeze through.
Schedule a full exterior and attic inspection with Talent Termite
Real Talk: Why DIY Doesn’t Cut It
We’ve heard the stories—mothballs, peppermint oil, even ultrasonic devices. Here’s the truth: while these might mask smells or distract rats, they won’t stop them. If you’re relying on home remedies, you’re delaying the inevitable.
At Talent Termite, we use integrated pest management—a science-backed method that identifies access points, eliminates existing rats, and fortifies your home against future infestations.
You don’t need guesswork. You need guarantees.
See why so many Virginia Beach homeowners trust Talent Termite
Q&A: Can Rats Climb Walls? (And What You Should Know)
Q: Can rats climb all walls?
A: No. Smooth walls made of glass, polished metal, or slick tiles are typically too slippery for rats to scale. But any surface with grip—including brick, concrete, or wood—is fair game.
Q: How do I know if rats are climbing my walls?
A: Look for signs like scratching noises at night, droppings near upper-story vents, and gnaw marks on soffits or insulation. Also, unusual attic activity is a strong indicator.
Q: What’s the difference between roof rats and Norway rats?
A: Roof rats (rare in Canada) are leaner and more agile climbers. Norway rats are more common and bulkier, but still capable of climbing if conditions allow.
Q: What’s the best way to block rats from climbing walls?
A: Remove climbable vegetation, install smooth surface barriers, and use pest-proof materials like metal mesh around any opening larger than ½ inch.
Q: Can rats get in through the roof?
A: Absolutely. Rats climbing walls to reach your roof is one of the most overlooked infestation routes. Once in the attic, they’re nearly impossible to detect without a professional inspection.
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