Mow lawns until completely dormant in fall. Another problem is voles, which make runways under the snow in lawns as they feed on grass blades and roots and are protected from predators. Voles, or meadow mice, are about 4 to 6 inches long and brownish-gray in color. Damage is frequently mistaken as mole damage, but moles are not active during winter and actually tunnel below the soil surface. Vole damage appears as runways or winding trails of damaged grass.
Lawns usually fill-in as conditions warm in spring.
Severe damage may require some overseeding, however. Help prevent damage from occurring by continuing to mow lawns until grass is completely dormant in fall. Mow lawns at a final height of about two inches. Also clean up any excessive vegetation near lawns, as this provides cover for voles.