Can Mice Climb Metal? (Sometimes!)

Are you concerned about mice getting to places where you don’t want them? Are you wondering, can mice climb metal structures?

Mice are incredibly agile and great at climbing. They rely on their claws for grip though, so they can’t climb smooth surfaces like a smooth sheet of metal.

However, give them something to grip on, even the slightest of grips, at these little 4-legged ninjas will scale even the most impossible-looking surfaces.

A good example is a brick wall. To us, it looks like there isn’t enough grip for a mouse to get a foothold.

Bricks are porous though. They have loads of tiny little holes in, which is enough for mice to get a grip on and scale quickly.

Can Mice Climb Smooth Metal?

No, as long as the metal is smooth a mouse will not be able to climb up it as they won’t be able to grip it with their claws.

This doesn’t mean they will not find another way to get from a-to-b though. Mice are very agile and clever, if there’s another way – they’ll find it.

Can Mice Climb Metal Table Legs?

This is a question I see come up from time to time. I’m not sure if people are scared a mouse will run up onto their lap while they’re eating, or if they want to know their food is safe.

Either way, the answer to this is whether or not the table leg has anything to grip onto. If it’s a scroll or twist type of leg, don’t be surprised if they can make their way up it.

Also, don’t forget that mice can jump. If they can jump or reach for a table cloth or use a chair, they might be able to find a way up onto the table.

Are You Safe If You Have a Metal Bed Frame?

This is also a popular question for people who are afraid of mice in the night.

I wrote a more detailed post here about whether or not mice can climb into beds if you’re interested in this.

Basically, I hate to say it but it’s hard to fortify your bed against mice. You’d have to have smooth metal legs with no bedding hanging within a distance they could reach to grip onto.

Don’t worry though, I have some good news. Mice rarely want to climb up onto a bed and run across it.

Mice are almost always looking for food at night, and they will stay away from you if they see you moving.

So, if you’re really paranoid about them jumping or climbing onto your bed, you can do some things to make it less likely. But I wouldn’t worry about it honestly.

What Surfaces Can Mice Climb?

If you’re trying to mice-proof some areas or wondering which surfaces they are able to climb, the answer is just about any surface they can grip.

Some of the surfaces mice commonly use to get to those hard to reach places that might surprise you are:

Fabrics – Like curtains, bedding, tablecloths, etc.

Walls – They are able to grip onto most brickwork as there are tiny little holes they can use.

Wood – Most wood is soft enough for their sharp little claws to get a grip into.

Plastic – Plastic is also often soft enough for mice to grip. Hence why a drainpipe is one of their favorites.

As you can see from just those few materials, there aren’t many surfaces mice can use to climb and get to where they want to go.

It’s easy for them to climb carpeted stairs for example, as it is to find their way onto kitchen worktops.

In Summary

Mice can only climb metal if there’s something for them to grip on. This goes for all the surfaces they climb, as mice use their sharp claws to grip onto things and climb.

If you’re trying to stop mice getting onto certain surfaces or into areas of your home, you’re better off making those areas less accessible.

You can do this by limiting their options when climbing and jumping. As well as using smooth surfaces, whatever the material is.

Keep in mind that mice are very agile. They can fit through tiny gaps not much wider than the width of a pencil, and if there is food they can be very determined and stubborn.

Resources

Image credits – Header image by Hans Braxmeier and in-body image by Capri23auto on Pixabay.com