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Trails or burrows
Tunnels and burrows under melted snow are caused by small, mouse-like animals called voles. Voles are most active in lawns near unmown pastures or wooded areas, or where dense vegetation provides shelter for them, like plants around foundations. Voles feed on grass and use tunnels to move about under the snow.
To discourage voles, rake these areas lightly and then continue with a normal fertilization, mowing and watering schedule. The tunnels should disappear as the grass begins to grow in the spring.
Populations of voles are cyclical, so they may come again for a couple of years and then disappear for a number of years. If they are causing extensive damage to trees, shrubs and lawns, use baited mousetraps to reduce their population.
Care should be taken when using traps where young children and pets have access to them.
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Updated Friday, April 19, 2013
