If you’ve spotted signs of rats around your home, one question might cross your mind—is it possible for rats to scale vertical surfaces like brick walls? The short answer is yes. Rats are remarkably skilled climbers, capable of scaling rough surfaces, squeezing through gaps, and finding entry points in surprising places. Understanding their climbing abilities and how to safeguard your property is key to effective prevention. 

At Skedaddle, we’ve helped Woodbridge homeowners tackle rat issues for decades. With our expertise, we’re sharing practical strategies to protect your home from rats climbing walls and other common entry points.

Can Rats Climb Walls?

Yes, rats can easily climb walls, particularly surfaces like bricks, stucco, and wood siding. Their agile bodies and sharp claws make them natural climbers. Whether it’s a worn brick wall or a textured concrete block, rats can grip onto small grooves and crevices to scale your home.

They don’t just stop at walls. Rats can:

• Climb pipes, drainage systems, and even inside walls,
• Leap up to one foot vertically, and
• Navigate cables, vents, and gutters.

What makes rats climbing walls particularly concerning is that they can reach areas of your home you might not consider vulnerable, such as eaves, rooflines, and attic vents. Once inside, they use their agility and natural caution to move around undetected for months, causing both structural damage and health risks.

We’ve seen homes near Boyd Conservation Park, for example, where rats used overhanging tree branches to cross onto roofs and into attics. If left unchecked, these clever rodents can quickly make your house their domain.  

Signs Rats Are Climbing Your Walls

Keep an eye out for these red flags that may indicate rats are using walls around your property:

1. Scratches or Smudges: Vertical surfaces might show greasy marks or tiny claw scratches.
2. Droppings: Look along the base of walls or windowsills for small black droppings.
3. Noises in the Walls: Scratches, squeaks, or scurrying sounds, especially at night.
4. Chewed Brick or Sealant: Direct damage to mortar or gaps around piping often signals rat activity.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to act fast to prevent further damage or infestation. 

Protect Your Home From Rats

Protecting your home from rats requires careful inspection and proactive steps to block access points. Start by addressing the most common vulnerabilities:  

1. Inspect Your Home’s Exterior

Conduct a detailed inspection of your home to identify any areas that might allow entry. Focus on:

• • Cracks in bricks or foundation walls,
  • Gaps around utility pipes and cables, and
  • Broken roof shingles or missing vent covers.

Check these areas with special attention to spots higher off the ground where rats might climb unnoticed.

2. Seal Potential Entry Points

Small gaps and holes are all rats need to gain entry. Seal these off using:

• • Steel Wool: Perfect for stuffing into holes before sealing because rats can’t chew through it.
  • Metal Mesh or Screens: Ideal for covering vents or exhaust fans.
  • Caulk or Specialized Sealants: Fill smaller cracks in walls or at the edges of bricks.

Sealing openings is one of the most effective ways to stop rats in their tracks.

3. Trim Trees and Shrubbery

Overhanging tree branches and dense bushes give rats an ideal ladder to reach your roof and higher walls. Trim trees at least 3 feet away from your home, and cut back shrubs near walls to eliminate these natural climbing aids.

4. Keep Food and Waste Secure

Rats are drawn to food sources. Make sure:

• • Garbage bins are tightly sealed and rat-proof,
  • Uneaten pet food is cleared quickly, and
  • Compost piles are covered securely.

Even bird feeders can become rat buffets if they spill too close to your home. Keep these away from walls and patios.

5. Control Moisture Around Your Property

Rats look for water wherever they can find it. Fix leaky pipes, clean clogged gutters, and ensure basement areas remain dry to make your property less attractive to them.

Rats Climbing Prevention

Rats are nothing if not persistent, but there are proven ways to make your property less inviting to them. Here’s a straightforward action plan to take your rat prevention efforts to the next level:

1. Regular Maintenance

• • Inspect your home every few months for new cracks, holes, or gaps.
  • Repair loose bricks or mortar as soon as possible.

2. Use Rat Deterrents

Commercial rat deterrents, such as non-toxic sprays or ultrasonic devices, can discourage activity around walls or attics. Just keep in mind, these are supplementary and won’t replace physical exclusion measures.  

3. Upgraded Vent and Chimney Covers

We highly recommend installing protective materials like metal grates or covers over roof vents, attic openings, and chimneys. Rats climbing walls often head right for these access points.

4. Educate Your Household

Everyone in your home plays a role in prevention. Talk to your family about the importance of addressing leftovers, securing garbage, and reporting any unusual sounds or markings.

5. Professional Wildlife Evaluation

If you suspect active rat climbing routes or notice recurring issues, professional evaluation is your best bet. At Skedaddle, we specialize in identifying these hidden vulnerabilities and offer tailored solutions to keep rats out for good.

Why Woodbridge Homes Are Especially at Risk

Here in Woodbridge, our mix of urban density and green spaces can create rat-friendly environments. Homes near places like the Kortright Centre for Conservation may see an uptick in rat activity due to natural overlap with wildlife habitats. 

Trust us, we’ve seen rats climb everything from downtown gutter systems to homes in quiet subdivisions. Protecting your property requires both vigilance and expert advice.

Why You Need Professional Rat Removal

Dealing with a rat problem is not just about eliminating pests; it’s about ensuring your home or business is protected for the long term. Rats can carry diseases, cause structural damage by gnawing on wires and insulation, and contaminate food sources. DIY methods may offer temporary relief, but they often fail to address the root of the problem, allowing infestations to persist or worsen. Professional rat removal services provide a comprehensive solution. Experts not only remove existing rats but also identify entry points, nesting areas, and attractants that may be drawing them to your property. They use safe, effective, and eco-friendly methods tailored to your specific situation and ensure proper follow-up measures are in place. Protecting your home and maintaining your peace of mind starts with a trusted professional who has the knowledge and tools to keep rats out for good.

Take Control of Your Home’s Safety Today

Rats may be natural climbers, but you can stay one step ahead with strategies that protect your home’s walls, rooflines, and more. By sealing entry points, maintaining your property, and trimming back climbing aid structures like trees, you’ll keep your home safe and rodent-free.  

Still wondering if your home has hidden vulnerabilities? We’re here to help. At Skedaddle, our proven methods and local expertise have kept Woodbridge homes protected for over 30 years. From identifying rat climbing risks to securing your property, we’ve got you covered.

Call us today to set up an inspection and take the first step toward peace of mind.