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
To understand how rats can scale vertical surfaces, we have to look at their biology. Rats are evolution’s little mountaineers.
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
Not all surfaces are equal in the eyes (or paws) of a rat. Here’s a breakdown of common materials:
Climbable Surfaces:
Harder-to-Climb Surfaces:
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
Rats don’t climb walls for fun. When they do, it’s usually because your home offers something they desperately want:
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
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:
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
Schedule a full exterior and attic inspection with Talent Termite
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: 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.
Have questions about rats in your attic? Let’s talk
Let Talent Termite be your first (and last) call when it comes to rodent control that actually works.
Nothing's more valuable than your home and the people in it. Call today to book a service and ensure your home remains a safe space for your family by using our pest control services in Hampton Roads.
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