Look for grub worm damage. This is indicated by uneven brown patches in your lawn that peel away with no effort. This is caused by the grub worms feeding on the roots.
Calculate the number of grubs per square foot in your lawn. Estimating this figure is important to determine the severity of the problem. More than five grubs per 1/4 square foot of your lawn is an indication you have a problem that requires treatment. This sampling should take place in late summer or late spring.
Apply a pesticide to your lawn according to directions on dispenser. Some of the chemicals that work for grubs include Bendiocarb, Isofenphos, Chlorpyrifos and Diazinon. For spring treatment, when it is most difficult to kill grubs, the American Lawns website recommends using Merit and Mach-2 because they work more effectively on grubs that have stopped feeding and are less susceptible to pesticide treatment.