Eating the roots among the grass can devastate the lawn and very soon you uncover wilting and dead grass all within the lawn. Sometimes it can be so bad that the grass can be rolled up almost as if it is sod (only missing the grass roots) because little is holding the grass in place. Once the principle system is gone, the grass quickly dies, and the only remedy is to first be freed of the infestation and 2nd completely redo the lawn either with sod or grass starting.
If the harsh winter condition has ravaged your beloved green Lawn fertilization which you have lovingly maintained last summer, do not panic! Take your courage (and especially your rake) with both hands