Do Rats Make Holes in Walls?

Do rats make holes in walls? Yes, they do, and it’s one of the most common ways to detect a rat infestation. Rats are very flexible creatures, and they can squeeze through relatively small holes. In some cases, they can even get into walls from the ground, as long as there’s some type of entry point. If you suspect that your walls are being invaded, you should carefully inspect the cavity to identify where the rats are entering from. You can also look for intermittent noises coming from the wall cavity. Another sign that you should look for is a broken vent at the ground level.

Rats do not make holes in walls randomly; they often choose to make tunnels or burrows along vertical surfaces. Often, their burrows against foundations occur at lintel bridges. These gaps are designed to allow plumbing and drainage services to pass beneath buildings. The front limbs of rats are dexterous and have long claws, making them better suited to climbing and handling objects.

A rat’s burrowing habits are largely nocturnal. They are averse to humans, so they prefer a dark, dry place where they can hide during the day. Rats’ burrows may also attract other rodents. Rats leave behind pheromones that attract other rodents, including squirrels and raccoons. These larger rodents can also expand existing holes.