Winter kill is another problem with centipedegrass. Centipedegrass can survive well in the south, but it is sensitive to low temperatures and can be discolored by frost and sometimes killed by cold weather. The winter kill of centipedegrass lawns or portions thereof is common in Alabama from the Gulf Coast to Decatur. Pest Problems Centipedegrass can become damaged by several pests including nematodes, insects, and diseases. These pests can become particularly serious in centipedegrass that has been overfertilized.
Nematodes can be a most serious problem on centipedegrass, especially ring and sting nematodes.
Areas of nematode infestation and damage will appear severely wilted, even when they are well watered. If nematode damage is suspected, it is recommended to collect a soil sample from the margin of the affected area and send it to the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn University for inspection and analysis. Several insect pests may cause damage to centipedegrass as well. Of these insects, the hardest to control is the ground pearl, which is a type of scale insect. At the present time, there are no effective insecticides to control ground pearls.