Dealing with artillery fungus

  • By Ron Becker Program coordinator, Ag and IPM OSU Extension, Wayne County
  • July 24, 2010
  • 1045
                        
The annual question of how to remove the small black spots from off the side of the house has started. The small black spots I am referring to are the spore masses, that resemble tar spots, being shot onto the siding by artillery fungus growing in the mulch around the house. The mushroom or fungus causing this is small, but mighty. They are only a tenth of an inch in diameter, but can shoot their spores several feet. However, with the help of the wind, the spores can be found on the second floor levels of a house. The fungus seems to grow especially well on wood mulch as compared to bark mulch. To help control the fungus itself, rake the mulch to destroy the mycelium or root system of the fungus and help to dry it out. There are no fungicides labeled for controlling it. As far as removal of the spore masses go, Penn State’s Donald D. Davis has a website, http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/d/d/ddd2/, that covers frequently asked questions about artillery fungus including suggestions he has received for removing the spore masses from houses and cars. They range from the use of corn oil to the magic eraser. It also references a promising 10th-grade researcher from Virginia who tried 35 different products, including mouthwash and toothpaste, that claims to not only remove the spots and stain but also leaves a nice fresh scent.


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