It probably won’t come as a surprise to those that have heard scurrying in the walls and the ceiling: mice are agile little creatures. They can climb vertical and near-vertical surfaces, like walls, as long as they are rough enough that they can get a grip.
Carpeted stairs are easily overcome, too. Although smooth wooden stairs with an overhanging lip can be a little more problematic, mice are also adaptable so can find a route up baseboards and they can shimmy up between two vertical surfaces. If the mouse really wants to get upstairs, it can be difficult to stop them.
Can Mice Climb Walls and Stairs?
Wild mice are always on the lookout for warm spots to build nests, as well as reliable sources of food. They have sharp claws, are very strong for their tiny size, and can spot a traversable route. They also have a strong tail that acts as a balancing mechanism and when combined with the ability to flatten themselves against a vertical surface, it prevents them from easily falling off.
They are able to climb rough and porous surfaces and because of this combination of attributes they regularly climb interior and exterior walls. Wood, wallpaper, stucco, and brick are no obstacle for our whiskered pests, which means that most surfaces including interior walls and stairs do not prevent their march.
What Surfaces Can Mice Not Climb?
A surface must be completely smooth and vertical to prevent a mouse from climbing. Smooth metal, smooth plastic, and some smooth wood can make it impossible for a mouse to climb up or down, but if you’re considering installing these on your stairs, it’s worth noting that most of them would cause a slip hazard for humans. What’s more, you would have to ensure that the walls, baseboards, trims, and even the handrails are made from similar materials.
Where Do Mice Hide During the Day?
Mice are nocturnal, which means that they are rarely seen during the day. This is also why we most often hear them scurrying around at night. During the day, mice rest, and they choose well-concealed spots to do so. Look in the following locations during daylight hours, for signs of a mouse infestation:
Will Sleeping With Lights on Keep Mice Away?
Mice are nocturnal and will usually hide away during daylight hours, so it makes sense that leaving the lights on will deter them from running around your home. However, they are very good at finding pockets of darkness and skulking in shadows until the light goes out. The better solution is to first determine that you have an infestation and then look for ways to control it.
How to Humanely Get Rid of Mice
Before calling in vermin control, there are some steps you can take to try and get rid of mice, humanely, from your home.
Final Thoughts: Can Mice Climb Up Walls and Stairs?
Mice are agile, strong for their size, and equipped with sharp claws and balancing tails. They can climb most vertical surfaces, except for those that are perfectly smooth and non-porous. As such, they can climb up most interior and exterior walls and make short work of stairs. Take steps to prevent mice getting into your home or employ the services of professionals to do it for you because leaving the lights on won’t prove an effective deterrent.
Featured Image Credit: Hans, Pixabay
