Managing Lawn Pests and Grass Selection in Mobile, AL: Soil Testing First, Then Targeted Biological Controls

Mobile, AL: centipedegrass (sun), St. Augustine (shade), mole crickets, nematodes, chiggers, chinch bugs. Seeds won't grow, sod dies. The fix starts underground.

Mole Cricket Control: Biological, Not Chemical

Apply Steinernema scapterisci nematodes—parasitic to mole crickets, harmless to everything else. University of Florida research confirms high efficacy.

Soil Test Is Mandatory

Auburn University Extension (aces.edu) will test for pH, nutrients, CEC. Centipede needs pH 5–6—your 6–7 may be too high. Don't buy more sod/seed until you know.

Build Soil Before Planting

• Topdress with compost/humus to boost microbial life.
• Stop synthetic fertilizers—they feed pests and weaken grass.
• Match grass to verified soil conditions.

Healthy soil grows pest-resistant grass. Test, amend, then plant.