Yes, many snakes can climb walls, especially if the surface has enough texture for them to grip. Rat snakes and tree snakes are skilled climbers that can scale walls to reach roofs, attics, or windows.
Picture this you’re enjoying a quiet day at home, then you spot a snake halfway up your brick wall, and it’s not a dream. As wild as it sounds, some snakes are skilled climbers and can scale walls with surprising ease, especially if the surface gives them something to grip.
Which Snakes Can Climb Walls and How?
Not all snakes are climbers, but several species have adapted to slither their way up vertical surfaces. Common wall-climbing snakes include rat snakes, corn snakes, and some types of tree snakes, all of which have strong muscles and flexible bodies designed for gripping and pushing against textured surfaces.
They use specialized belly scales called “scutes” that act like tiny traction pads, helping them grip rough materials like stone or brick. Combined with their strong core muscles, snakes can inch their way up walls much like a rope climber uses tension and friction to move upward.
What Types of Walls Can Snakes Actually Climb?
Snakes can climb most walls that offer some texture or grip. Surfaces like brick, stucco, stone, wood siding, or stacked logs give snakes the footholds they need to push and wriggle upward. The more uneven or grooved the wall, the easier it is for them to scale it.
On the flip side, snakes struggle with smooth materials like metal, glass, or polished vinyl. These offer no traction for their belly scales to grip, making climbing nearly impossible. So while a brick home near a wooded area might be at risk, a sleek metal shed likely isn’t.
Why Snakes Might Climb Walls Around Your Home?
Snakes don’t climb walls just for fun, they’re usually following a purpose. Often, they’re in search of food like birds, rodents, or even eggs, which could be found in attics, gutters, or nests near the roof. If you’ve got a rodent problem, especially near the upper levels of your home, that’s a big attractant.
Other times, snakes climb to find shelter or escape predators. They may enter roof vents, attic crawlspaces, or gaps in siding to settle in undisturbed areas. Hot weather can also drive them upward toward shaded or cooler zones, especially during the day.
Signs a Snake Is Climbing or Has Entered Your Home
One of the first signs of a climbing snake is spotting shed skin in high places like attics, rafters, or even behind wall panels. You might also hear rustling or scratching sounds, especially if the snake is chasing prey or slithering through insulation. While snakes are usually quiet, their movement across certain materials can still be noticed.
You may also see snake droppings near upper vents, eaves, or windowsills, often mistaken for bird or rodent droppings. If a snake has successfully entered, sightings can occur in places you wouldn’t expect, like the second floor or inside ceiling voids. These subtle clues can be easy to miss, which is why professional inspections are crucial when you suspect a problem.
How to Prevent Snakes from Climbing Walls or Entering Your House?
The first line of defense is limiting access to your exterior walls. Trim back tree branches, vines, or shrubs that touch the sides of your home, as these can act like natural ladders for snakes. Make sure to also clear away stacked wood, rock piles, or debris near the foundation that snakes might use to launch upward.
Next, seal any cracks, gaps, or openings near the roofline, soffits, attic vents, or siding. Installing mesh screens over vents and using smooth metal flashing around the base of walls can make climbing nearly impossible. For high-risk areas, consider installing snake fencing or contacting a wildlife control expert for long-term exclusion strategies.
Don’t Let Snakes Settle In Upstairs
If you thought your second-story window was out of reach for a snake, think again. Many species are more agile than most people realize, and if your home offers the right surfaces or nearby access points, they’ll take full advantage of it. The key is understanding how and why they climb so you can stay a step ahead.
By keeping your exterior clean, sealing potential entry points, and removing attractions like rodents or bird nests, you can make your home a lot less appealing to slithering visitors. And if you’re already spotting signs of snake activity, it’s time to call in the pros before they get too comfortable.
Think a Snake’s Climbing Into Your Home? Let’s Handle It.
If you’re seeing signs of snake activity, or worse, one slithering up your wall, it’s time to act fast. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we specialize in safe, humane snake removal and prevention solutions that actually work. From sealing entry points to inspecting your attic or crawlspace, we’ve got the tools and expertise to keep your home secure.
Don’t wait for a surprise visitor in your upstairs bathroom. Call AAAC Wildlife Removal today and let our experts keep the snakes (and stress) away for good.
