If one of your neighbors has recently discovered a rodent infestation in his or her home, you may be concerned about the possibility that the vermin may have infested your home as well. Rodents are known to spread disease through their urine, excrement, and saliva. In addition, the small animals may even bite an unsuspecting victim. 

A rodent may also serve as a host for other disease-carrying organisms, such as fleas, ticks, and mites. By eliminating the rodents, you lower the risk of your family's exposure to dangerous pathogens.

Nevertheless, before attempting an extermination, you should first confirm that your home is infested. Here are a few signs that rodents have invaded your living space. 

Fecal Droppings

Rodent excrement is a positive indication that rodents are present in a home. The droppings tend to be smaller for mice than for rats. In addition, mouse droppings tend to have pointy ends. Some rat droppings, on the other hand, may have rounded ends. 

If only a few droppings are found, the infestation may still be relatively small. However, a large number of droppings may indicate that the rodent population has already become quite large in your home. Placing traps or bait near the location where droppings have been found can help encourage contact between the pests and the extermination products.

Strong Urine Smells

The urine of a rodent has a loud odor. It is easily noticed when large quantities are present. 

Holes in Food Bags and Boxes

Rodents often gnaw through food containers to access the edible contents. The holes that are left by mice are usually small and somewhat uniform. Those left by a rat generally have ragged edges and are larger in size.

Mice and rats may also shred paper and other materials to form nests.

Scratching Sounds

Rodents frequently make scratching noises within the walls of a home. These sounds may be most noticeable at night because the rodents are nocturnal. 

Gnaw Marks

Rats and mice sometimes gnaw on wood. If you have a rodent infestation, you may notice tooth marks on the woodwork around your home. These marks may be accompanied by small scratch marks.

Rodent Sightings

If you spot a mouse or rat in your home, you have a sure indication of an infestation. Once your infestation has been confirmed, you will need to begin an extermination. Many people are inexperienced at eliminating rodent populations. 

If you have seen indications of rodents in your home, contact a pest control professional from a company like Xtermco Inc in your local area.