Is Artillery Fungus Harmful To Humans? [Explained]

Artillery fungus, also known as Sphaerobolus, commonly grows on decaying organic matter such as mulch, soil, and tree bark. However, it is known to cause problems when it comes into contact with houses and cars.

One of the major concerns regarding artillery fungus is whether or not it is harmful to humans. While the fungus itself is not known to cause any direct harm to humans, it can cause significant property damage and be a nuisance to clean up.

Additionally, the fungus spores can be difficult to remove and stick to surfaces, making it a persistent problem. This article will explore the potential risks associated with artillery fungus and whether or not it threatens human health.

What Is Artillery Fungus?

1. Artillery fungus, also known as Sphaerobolus, typically grows on decaying organic matter such as mulch, soil, and tree bark.
2. The fungus got its name from its unique way of dispersing its spores, which involves shooting them out of its fruiting body in a way that resembles a miniature cannon.
3. Artillery fungus is typically found in areas with high moisture levels, such as forests, gardens, and landscaping.
4. When the fungus comes into contact with a surface such as a house or a car, it can stick to the surface and be difficult to remove.
5. The fungus spores can be a nuisance and cause significant damage to property, especially when heated by the sun and become baked onto surfaces.
6. Although the fungus is not known to harm humans, the spores can be difficult to remove and may cause aesthetic damage to homes and cars.
7. Preventing the growth of artillery fungus is the best way to avoid any problems it may cause. This can be done by avoiding using certain types of mulch, regularly cleaning surfaces that may be affected, and ensuring that areas around homes and cars are kept dry.

Is Artillery Fungus Harmful To Humans?

Artillery fungus is not known to be harmful to humans. The fungus spores can cause aesthetic damage to property, especially when baked onto surfaces, but they do not pose any known health risks to people. However, the spores can be difficult to remove and require significant cleaning effort, which can be frustrating for property owners.

Therefore, while artillery fungus is not directly harmful to humans, it can be a nuisance and cause significant property damage. It is important to take preventative measures to avoid problems with this fungus, such as avoiding certain types of mulch and maintaining dry conditions around buildings and vehicles.

Does the Artillery Fungus Hurt Pets?

There is no evidence to suggest that artillery fungus is harmful to pets. The fungus is not known to be toxic or cause any adverse effects if ingested by pets or other animals. However, the fungus spores can cause aesthetic damage to property, including pet fur, if they become stuck to surfaces.

Additionally, if the fungus grows in areas where pets spend a lot of time, such as in the yard or near outdoor pet enclosures, it can be a nuisance and cause problems for pet owners. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid problems with artillery fungus, such as avoiding certain types of mulch and maintaining dry conditions around pet areas.

If you are concerned about your pet’s exposure to artillery fungus or have noticed any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult a veterinarian.

How To Get Rid Of Artillery Fungus 

Here are the step-by-step instructions for getting rid of artillery fungus:

1. First, wear protective gloves and a face mask to avoid contact with the fungus and its spores.
2. Remove any visible artillery fungus growth and spore masses from affected surfaces using a soft-bristled brush or scraper. Be careful not to spread the spores around.
3. Clean affected surfaces thoroughly using warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive cleaning agent. Rinse the surface with clean water and dry it completely.
4. For tougher stains or stubborn spores that won’t come off, you can use a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water to clean the surface. This solution can help to break down and dissolve the spores.
5. If the fungus grows in mulch or soil around your property, consider removing and replacing it with a different type of mulch or soil-less, conducive to fungus growth.
6. To prevent future growth of artillery fungus, avoid using certain types of mulch, such as hardwood bark mulch, and try to maintain dry conditions around buildings and vehicles. You can also use a fungicide spray designed specifically for artillery fungus to prevent its growth.
7. Finally, dispose of any removed fungus and spores in sealed bags and dispose of them in the trash. Do not compost or reuse the removed mulch or soil.

Remember, prevention is the best approach to managing artillery fungus, so be sure to take proactive measures to avoid its growth in the first place.

Can You Paint Over Artillery Fungus?

While it may be possible to paint over artillery fungus on a surface, it is not generally recommended. Artillery fungus can be difficult to completely remove from surfaces, and painting over it may hide the problem rather than solve it. In addition, the fungus spores can still be present under the paint, and over time, they may cause the paint to peel or discolor, leading to further aesthetic damage.

If you are dealing with artillery fungus on a surface that you plan to paint, it is best to thoroughly clean and remove it using the steps outlined in the previous answer. Once the surface is completely clean and dry, you can then proceed with painting as usual.

It is important to note that if the fungus has caused significant damage to the surface, such as staining or etching, painting over it may not completely hide the damage. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the affected surface or seek the advice of a professional for proper restoration.

Can Artillery Fungus Grow Indoors?

Artillery fungus is not typically known to grow indoors, requiring organic matter, such as mulch or soil, to thrive. However, in rare cases, artillery fungus spores can be carried indoors on shoes, clothing, or objects that have come into contact with the fungus outdoors.

Once inside, the spores may be able to germinate if they come into contact with a suitable substrate, such as a damp surface or decaying organic matter.

If you suspect artillery fungus may be growing indoors, it is important to identify and remove the source of the spores as soon as possible. This may involve thoroughly cleaning affected surfaces and removing any decaying organic matter that may provide a substrate for the fungus to grow on.

Additionally, it may be necessary to improve ventilation and reduce humidity levels in the affected area to prevent future growth.

Suppose you are unsure whether or not artillery fungus is growing indoors. In that case, it may be helpful to consult with a professional who can perform a thorough inspection and recommend appropriate measures for removal and prevention.

Can You Power Wash Artillery Fungus?

While power washing may effectively remove some types of stains and debris from surfaces, it is generally not recommended for use on surfaces affected by artillery fungus. This is because power washing can spread the fungus’s spores around, making the problem worse.

When you power wash a surface with artillery fungus spores on it, the force of the water can dislodge the spores, causing them to be launched into the air and potentially spread to other areas. This can make the problem more widespread and difficult to control.

Instead of power washing, using a gentler cleaning approach is best, such as manually scrubbing the affected surface with a soft-bristled brush or using a solution of warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive cleaning agent. This can help to remove the fungus and its spores without spreading them around.

If you decide to use a power washer on an affected surface, take appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing protective gloves and a face mask to avoid contact with the spores. Additionally, use a low-pressure setting on the power washer and aim it away from plants or other areas where you do not want the spores to spread.

Killing Artillery Fungus

Killing artillery fungus involves removing the fungus and its spores from affected surfaces and taking steps to prevent future growth. Here are some steps you can take to kill artillery fungus:

1. Remove affected mulch: If the fungus is growing, remove and replace the mulch with a non-susceptible type, such as hardwood bark or pine needles.
2. Clean affected surfaces: Use a soft-bristled brush or scraper to gently remove the fungus from affected surfaces. Avoid high-pressure water or power washing, as this can spread the spores. You can also use a warm, soapy water solution and a non-abrasive cleaning agent to help loosen and remove the fungus.
3. Apply a fungicide: You can apply a fungicide to affected surfaces to kill any remaining spores. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and use appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and a face mask.
4. Prevent future growth: Avoid using susceptible types of mulch or soil, such as wood chips or sawdust, to prevent future growth. Keep surfaces clean and dry, and avoid over-watering plants or lawns near affected surfaces. Consider using a non-organic ground cover or gravel where fungus growth is a persistent problem.

Remember that killing artillery fungus may require ongoing maintenance and vigilance, as spores can be reintroduced to surfaces through wind or other means. Regular cleaning and preventive measures can help minimize future growth risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, artillery fungus is a fungus that can cause unsightly staining and damage to surfaces such as homes, vehicles, and outdoor furniture. While it is not harmful to humans or animals, it can be difficult to remove once it has adhered to a surface due to its sticky spores.

To get rid of artillery fungus, removing affected mulch, cleaning affected surfaces, applying a fungicide, and taking preventive measures to avoid future growth are important.

By following these steps and maintaining regular maintenance, you can effectively kill artillery fungus and prevent it from causing further damage to your property.