Artillery Fungus: You Probably Have It

The DC metro area has a highly humid climate. While humidity might make you hot and uncomfortable, there are bigger problems it may provoke. Have you seen stubborn black or dark brown spots popping up all over the side of your house, deck, or car? Have you tried to scrub them off with no success? You’re not alone in your battle with these spots. It’s called artillery fungus, and it’s annoying, unsightly, and exhausting to eradicate.

What is artillery fungus?

Artillery fungus—or shotgun fungus—is a wood-decay fungus that lives on moist mulch. It’s harmless to you and your family, but poses a threat to your siding, fences, decks, etc. It’s ability to “shoot” its spores gives it its name.

Where is it coming from?

Shotgun fungus develops in wood-based mulch, especially in moist conditions. It looks somewhat similar to a mushroom, in that it’s orange-brown in color, shaped like a small cup, and contains a spore mass.

The fungus opens and aims its artillery at light-colored sources, like home siding or light brown fences and decks. Once they stick to these surfaces, they are nearly impossible to remove. Generally, the artillery fungus ejects spores in temperatures between 50 and 68 degrees, and reproduces rapidly at temperatures above 68 degrees. If you live in the DC metro area, that means you are at high risk for reproduction.

How do you get rid of artillery fungus?

Artillery fungus is incredibly unattractive and completely ruins your residential curb appeal. The longer you let the fungus to live on your exterior surfaces, the harder it is to remove. Trying to get rid of shotgun fungus can be incredibly frustrating, as it is extremely difficult and stubborn. Luckily, the skilled professionals at KEVCO know just the trick to remove it. Restore the appearance of your home, and protect your siding, by calling KEVCO today at (301) 258-9750.

Black spots from artillery fungus can be a real eyesore. Contact us now to banish them once and for all.