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Mammals

Can Rats Climb Walls?

Mac Montoya
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January 6, 2022
3 Mins read
macro photo of brown rat

Can rats climb walls?

A rat can climb walls, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a wall.

They are more than capable of climbing trees or buildings by their claws and tails.

Rats don’t necessarily seem like they would be able to survive long on the ground, let alone want to go down there.

They are excellent climbers and can travel quite easily up and down vertical surfaces.

This comes in handy when they need to escape danger or get to food or shelter.

In fact, rats have even been known to climb sheer glass walls.

How Do Rats Climb Walls?

can rats climb walls?
Rat in the wild

They use their claws and tails to grip onto the surface and can travel surprisingly quickly this way.

So if you’re ever in a building with rats and see one climbing up the wall, don’t be too surprised!

Rats have also been known to be able to swim.

If they fall into a body of water they can easily escape.

Rats will also try and climb up any surface that is available to them if they feel like they are in danger.

For example, in 2017 a rat was filmed climbing up a vertical pipe to escape a cat.

A New York City pest control company claims that, when walking around in an alley or by the subway, you are walking directly above hundreds of rats.

However, it is unlikely for a rat to be able to climb most walls without being noticed by humans.

On top of this, if rats were to invade a home, the homeowner would likely notice their presence very quickly.

The bottom line is that rats can climb walls if they need to.

However, it’s not their first choice.

So if you see a rat on your wall, don’t panic.

It’s probably just trying to find a way out of your garden.

Rats can climb walls but would not be able to do it very well nor would they want to be given the opportunity since they are ground creatures.

Most walls that rats can be seen climbing are sheer or have something for them to grip onto like ivy.

When Do Rats Climb Walls?

can rats climb walls?
is this rat spying on you?

If a rat is in danger, it will most likely try to swim away or climb up a tree.

Rats are not very common on walls unless they feel they need to be.

If you see one, it’s not necessarily out to get you or invade your home – they’re just trying to escape.

There are a few things you can do to make it harder for rats to climb walls in your home or business.

You can install wire mesh or metal sheeting on walls and roofs, which will make it difficult for them to get a grip.

You can also try to keep your property clean and free of debris, which will make it less appealing to rats.

Check out our other animal FAQs here:

  • Why Do Beavers Build Dams?
  • Do Squirrels Shake Their Tails?
  • Why Do Squirrels Chase Each Other?

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Written by

Mac Montoya

Mac is a writer who loves everything and anything creative under the sun. From anime to animals, he'll get giddy at the sight of perfect color combinations, goosebump-inducing scenes, and a long list of synonyms.
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