Q Now that the snow has melted we see tunnels and patches of dead grass. Are these created by voles? If so, how do we get rid of these creatures and repair our grass?

A The tunnels likely are the work of voles, which burrow under the snow cover. In the spring, their trails show up as brown networks or streaks in the lawn. This doesn't damage the turf and the grass will grow back. But voles do damage trees and shrubs by feeding on the bark. Voles are easily trapped with mousetraps baited with peanut butter, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

You can set such traps in your garage along the walls. If you set the traps outside, cover them with a cardboard box in open areas or a scrap board or piece of plywood against the wall so they don't attract and kill birds, such as wrens and chickadees.

You may be able to reduce the number of voles in your area by keeping your lawn mowed to three inches or less, removing garden litter and keeping vacant lots, ditches or other open areas free of weeds and tall grass, according to the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Also, clean up spilled bird seed around feeders.

The patches of grass that appear to be dead also could have been affected by snow mold. Snow mold shows up right after the snow melts as spots of dead grass 4 to 6 inches in diameter, according to Cynthia Ash, with the University of Minnesota's Extension Service. With raking and watering, they usually green up. But, if the dead spots remain into June or seem to be getting bigger, your lawn may be diseased. Contact your local extension service, nursery or lawn care specialist for advice.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-9033, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.