Can Rats Climb Walls?
WouterThe answer to the question, “Can rats climb walls” is a resounding “yes”. These creatures are resourceful and can scale just about any surface. Their long, sharp claws and thick tails make climbing easy. They also have a unique ability to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while in water or a low-oxygen environment.
Rats often use trees as climbing surfaces. They will jump onto tree branches close to the roof and then use these branches to climb up to the roof. They can also leap four feet into the air. They’re not afraid of heights and are known to survive falls of up to 50 feet. Even trees with thick bark are attractive to rats.
Whether rats can climb walls depends on the surface of the wall. Some materials are rough enough for the animals to climb, like bricks, wood, and gypsum. The rough texture provides a good surface for them to grip. While concrete and other smooth surfaces are not as slick as gypsum and bricks, they do offer a rat-friendly surface.
While mice can’t climb as high as rats, they are extremely adept at jumping. These creatures have strong claws and feet that help them to grasp onto almost any surface. They can also climb textured walls and even ropes and drapes. Moreover, they can reach high areas and may even climb tables, chairs, window sills, and countertops. While rats are known to climb walls, they primarily climb for necessity. In the wild, they may even climb surfaces to access predators.
