Are Voles Dangerous?
One thinks about dangerous animals, and a vole probably does not come to mind. Small in stature, it looks more like a furry little mouse; hence, one wonders whether it would be harmful to people, pets, or even other animals.
Are Voles Dangerous to Humans?
In most cases, voles are harmless to human beings. They are very tiny, timid creatures that would help them conceal themselves rather than stand before human beings. Nevertheless, if you handle one, always remember that there is a slight possibility it will bite in self-defense. What you must be aware of concerning vole bites are:
- Pain: A vole bite can be pretty painful because they have very sharp teeth.
- Infection: Without properly cleaning it, a bite could easily get infected. Cleaning the wound with soap and water, applying an antiseptic, and putting on a clean bandage.
- Seek Help: If you see any redness, swelling, or pus, best to seek a doctor’s advice.
Generally speaking, it is best not to touch wild voles and just let them do their own thing.
Are Voles Dangerous to Cats?
They are natural predators, and they quite frequently hunt small rodents like voles. As the vole does not present a danger to your cat itself, from time to time they may have parasites or diseases that are passed on to your cat. Here are some considerations:
- Hunting: Provided your cat encounters a vole, in most instances, it can deal with the situation without any problems.
- Health Hazards: Voles can infest fleas or ticks and transfer them to your cat.
- Monitoring: Be on the lookout for your cat’s health at all times; visit the vet if you show symptoms at all.
Are Voles Dangerous to Chickens?
Voles are not really a threat to chickens; they would never actually attack or hurt a chicken. They can be trouble if they get into your chicken feed:
- Food Contamination: Since voles rather have a great taste for grains and seeds, and hence they may do a lot of damage to the feed.
- Pest Attraction: Having voles around can definitely give way to other pests, which at one time or another could develop some health complications in your chickens.
In safeguarding your chicken, keep its feeds well sealed and inspect the surroundings for any vole activities.
Are Voles Dangerous to Dogs?
Like cats, dogs may chase and catch voles too. Although a vole wouldn’t have the capacity to harm your dog, some diseases are transmitted by contact with their secretions and excretions. Here are some tips below:
- Supervision: Always be watching over your dog while outdoors, especially when it is Vole season.
- Health Check: If your dog has eaten a vole, or even if he has had contact, watch the health of your dog. In case of the slightest concern, consult with your vet.
- Preventative Care: Regular visits to a vet shall help ensure that you can pick up on any issues early on.
Are Voles Dangerous to Eat?
Something humans do not eat, nor is recommended in most cases. Voles are full of diseases and parasites that can be harmful to good health. In case you find yourself stranded somewhere and you have to consume one, make sure the vole is well-cooked to avoid any such health hazard. However, in general, it is best to be contented with more conventional food.
What Happens if a Vole Bites You?
If a vole bites you, it is not normally serious but might be painful. It may easily become infected if not looked after properly. If you get bitten, clean the wound with soap and water, apply antiseptic to prevent infection, and cover by bandaging to keep it clean.
Observe for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, or pus. In case of developing any suspicious signs, seek medical attention to be sure that the bite doesn’t get infected or develop other complications.
Should I Get Rid of Voles?
If you have voles in your backyard or garden, it may be good to keep their numbers under control. Following are the reasons you may want to control voles after finding any:
Damage to Plants: Voles chew on plants, tree bark, and their roots, making them very damaged.
They dig loads of tunnels that can ruin your lawn and make the ground unstable.
The following are some of those things that could keep them away:
- Traps: Humane traps can give an upper hand in catching and relocating voles.
- Barriers: Setting up barriers, of course, will keep it from accessing the gardens and trees in the area.
- Natural Predators: Allow natural predators like owls to pay a visit to your yard.
Remember that any form of pest control has to be dealt with humanely and responsibly.
What Diseases Do Voles Carry?
Voles have been identified to carry a number of diseases, most of which tend to affect human beings and pets alike. Some of these diseases include:
Tularemia: a bacterial disease that causes fever, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.
Hantavirus: This is a rare but serious virus causing respiratory problems.
While dying from these diseases because of a vole is a very low risk, it’s still proper to be extra careful. This means avoiding handling voles at all costs, but if you do, then wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.
Conclusion
In brief, voles are not that dangerous but can cause quite some rumpus in case they invade your space. They are unlikely to harm people or pets directly, but they may act as vectors of disease and further cause garden and lawn damage. Knowing a little more about these little critters can help you take steps for their management effectively and safely. Be it the vole bite, taking care of your pets, or tending to your garden, a little knowledge and careful management go a long way.
