What is artillery fungus?
Have you noticed tiny black dots on your siding and wondered what they were? These little dots are a sign of artillery fungus.
Artillery Fungus also known as shotgun fungus, artillery mold, or its scientific name, Sphaerobolus stellatus is most commonly found in non-composted mulch and rotting wood.
The fungus spores are dark brown at their tips and launch toward sun or if you’re reading this towards your bright colored siding. The fungus mistakes your siding for the sun. They generally shoot out towards the bottom of the house and latch on but in some cases, they can burst upwards more than 10ft.
The tiny black dots are spread out into a shotgun pattern giving it the nick name artillery or shotgun fungus. Once it lands on your siding it goes into a dormant phase. After the sticky spores are on your home, they become nearly impossible to completely remove.
Can I remove artillery fungus?
I know what you’re thinking but pressure washing is not the answer here. Normally after a home is soft washed these pesky little spots become more noticeable without a layer of dirt to hide behind. Anyway, the removal process puts your siding at risk but is possible using steel cloth or other abrasive tools. (Not a service we perform here at standing stone pressure washing)
After removal, shotgun fungus could leave behind a brown residue that will become embedded in your siding. The good news is it poses no health risk to homeowners, children, or pets. It belongs to the same class of fungi as the mushrooms we eat and is only a cosmetic issue.
Can I Prevent Artillery Fungus?
Avoid purchasing dark-colored, non-organic, and non-composted mulch. Consider switching to a light-colored composted mulch that has gone through a baking process to neutralize the fungus.
You will also want to walk around your home periodically to ensure that your siding is free from not only artillery fungus but also dirt, algae, mold, and mildew. We recommend Central Pa’s favorite pressure washing company Standing Stone Pressure Washing for a professional soft wash service every spring to prevent a buildup of contaminants that can eventually damage your siding.