How to Get Rid of Stinkhorn Fungus: A Comprehensive Guide
Stinkhorn fungi, with their phallic shapes and pungent odor, are certainly unwelcome guests in any garden. While not directly harmful to plants, their unpleasant appearance and nauseating smell make them a nuisance. Getting rid of them requires a multi-pronged approach, understanding their lifecycle, and persistent effort. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to identify, eliminate, and prevent stinkhorn fungi from invading your outdoor spaces.
## Identifying Stinkhorn Fungi
Before you can effectively combat stinkhorns, you need to be sure you’re dealing with them. These fungi are relatively easy to identify, thanks to their distinctive characteristics:
* **Shape:** Stinkhorns often resemble phalluses, clubs, or lattice-like structures. They can be quite varied in appearance depending on the species.
* **Color:** They range in color from white and cream to bright orange, red, and brown.
* **Odor:** The most defining characteristic is their putrid, carrion-like smell. This odor attracts flies, which help to spread their spores.
* **Slime:** Many stinkhorn species are covered in a slimy, spore-containing substance called gleba. This slime is responsible for the foul odor and attracts insects.
* **Egg Stage:** Stinkhorns start as partially buried, whitish or brownish “eggs” that are firm to the touch. These eggs can be mistaken for puffballs before they hatch.
Some common types of stinkhorn fungi you might encounter include:
* **Common Stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus):** This is the most well-known species, with a white stalk and a dark olive-green, slimy cap.
* **Elegant Stinkhorn (Mutinus elegans):** This species has a slender, bright orange or red stalk with a pointed tip.
* **Dog Stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus):** Similar to the elegant stinkhorn, but often smaller and with a less vibrant color.
* **Latticed Stinkhorn (Clathrus ruber):** This striking fungus forms a red, cage-like structure.
* **Devil’s Dipstick (Mutinus ravenelii):** Resembles a red or orange phallus with a dark tip.
## Understanding the Stinkhorn Lifecycle
To effectively control stinkhorns, it’s crucial to understand their lifecycle. They are saprophytic fungi, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter in the soil. Here’s a simplified overview:
1. **Spores:** Stinkhorns reproduce via spores, which are dispersed by insects attracted to the foul odor of the gleba. Wind and water can also spread spores, although less efficiently.
2. **Mycelium:** When a spore lands in a suitable environment (rich in decaying organic matter), it germinates and develops into a network of thread-like filaments called mycelium. This mycelium lives underground, feeding on the organic material.
3. **Egg Formation:** Under favorable conditions (moisture, temperature, and nutrient availability), the mycelium forms the characteristic “egg” stage. These eggs are the fruiting bodies in their immature state.
4. **Fruiting Body Emergence:** The egg rapidly expands and ruptures, giving rise to the mature stinkhorn fungus. This process can happen very quickly, sometimes within a few hours.
5. **Spore Dispersal:** The mature stinkhorn releases its foul odor, attracting flies and other insects. These insects land on the gleba, pick up spores, and transport them to new locations.
Knowing that stinkhorns feed on decaying organic matter is key to preventing and controlling them. Eliminating their food source and disrupting their lifecycle are the main strategies for getting rid of them.
## Methods for Killing Stinkhorn Fungus
There isn’t one single magic bullet for eliminating stinkhorns. The most effective approach involves a combination of methods and consistent effort. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the techniques you can use:
### 1. Removal and Disposal
* **Immediate Action:** The first step is to physically remove the stinkhorns as soon as you see them. This prevents them from releasing more spores and spreading further.
* **Tools:** Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with the fungus and its odor. Use a trowel, shovel, or spade to dig up the entire fruiting body, including the “egg” if present.
* **Disposal:** Place the removed stinkhorns in a sealed plastic bag. Do NOT compost them, as the spores can survive and spread. Dispose of the bag in the trash.
* **Cleaning:** After handling the fungi, thoroughly wash your hands and any tools used with soap and water to prevent the spread of spores.
### 2. Targeting the “Eggs”
* **Locating the Eggs:** Stinkhorn eggs are often partially buried near the base of the mature fungi. Look for whitish or brownish, egg-shaped structures just below the soil surface.
* **Excavation:** Carefully dig around the area where you found the mature stinkhorns to locate and remove the eggs.
* **Disposal:** Dispose of the eggs in the same way as the mature fungi – in a sealed plastic bag in the trash.
* **Persistence:** Regularly check the area for new eggs and remove them promptly. Stinkhorns can produce multiple eggs in the same location.
### 3. Soil Treatment
* **Improving Drainage:** Stinkhorns thrive in moist environments. Improving soil drainage can help to make the area less hospitable to them.
* **Amend the Soil:** Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and drainage. Avoid using excessive amounts of wood chips or bark, as these can provide a food source for the fungi.
* **Aerate the Soil:** Use a garden fork or aerator to create holes in the soil, improving air circulation and drainage.
* **Adjusting Soil pH:** Stinkhorns generally prefer slightly acidic soil. Increasing the soil pH can help to inhibit their growth.
* **Lime Application:** Apply lime (calcium carbonate) to the soil to raise the pH. Follow the instructions on the lime product for application rates, as excessive lime can harm your plants. A soil test can help determine the appropriate amount of lime to use.
* **Fungicides (Use with Caution):** While fungicides are not always effective against stinkhorns, some systemic fungicides may offer some control. However, consider the potential impact on beneficial soil organisms and the environment before using fungicides.
* **Application:** If you choose to use a fungicide, select one labeled for use on soilborne fungi and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Apply the fungicide to the soil around the affected area.
* **Environmental Impact:** Be aware that fungicides can harm beneficial fungi and other soil organisms. Use them sparingly and only as a last resort.
### 4. Addressing the Food Source
* **Removing Decaying Organic Matter:** Stinkhorns feed on decaying organic matter in the soil. Removing or reducing this food source is crucial for long-term control.
* **Leaf Litter:** Rake up and remove fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from the affected area.
* **Wood Chips and Mulch:** Avoid using excessive amounts of wood chips or bark mulch, as these can decompose and provide a food source for the fungi. Consider using inorganic mulches like gravel or stone.
* **Decomposing Wood:** If you have any decaying wood structures (e.g., old tree stumps, rotting fence posts) near the affected area, consider removing them.
* **Improving Compost Practices:** If you compost, make sure your compost pile is properly managed to ensure complete decomposition of organic matter. Incomplete composting can create a favorable environment for stinkhorns.
* **Hot Composting:** Use a hot composting method to ensure that organic matter breaks down completely. This involves maintaining a high temperature (130-160°F) in the compost pile.
* **Turning the Compost:** Regularly turn the compost pile to aerate it and promote even decomposition.
* **Avoiding Infected Material:** Do not compost any materials that are known to be infected with stinkhorn fungi or other plant diseases.
### 5. Cultural Practices
* **Healthy Lawn and Garden:** Maintaining a healthy lawn and garden can help to make the area less susceptible to stinkhorn fungi.
* **Proper Watering:** Water your lawn and garden deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth and prevent excessive soil moisture.
* **Fertilization:** Fertilize your plants regularly to provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive. Healthy plants are better able to resist fungal diseases.
* **Weed Control:** Control weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
* **Sunlight:** Stinkhorns tend to prefer shady areas. Increasing sunlight exposure to the affected area can help to inhibit their growth. Prune trees and shrubs to allow more sunlight to reach the ground.
* **Competition:** Planting grass or other ground covers in the area can help to compete with the stinkhorn fungi for resources.
## Specific Treatment Options and Considerations
Beyond the general methods described above, here are some more specific approaches and considerations:
* **Boiling Water:** Pouring boiling water directly onto the stinkhorn eggs and surrounding soil can help to kill them. Be careful not to damage nearby plants.
* **Vinegar:** Some gardeners report success using vinegar to kill stinkhorns. Dilute white vinegar with water (1:1 ratio) and pour it onto the fungi and surrounding soil. Be cautious when using vinegar, as it can lower the soil pH and harm some plants.
* **Baking Soda:** Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can also be used to raise the soil pH and inhibit fungal growth. Mix baking soda with water (1 tablespoon per gallon) and spray it onto the affected area.
* **Hydrogen Peroxide:** Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that can kill fungi. Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water (1:1 ratio) and pour it onto the stinkhorns and surrounding soil. Be careful not to damage nearby plants.
* **Professional Help:** If you have a severe stinkhorn infestation or are unable to control them on your own, consider consulting a professional arborist or pest control company. They may have access to specialized treatments and equipment.
## Prevention is Key
Preventing stinkhorns from appearing in the first place is always the best approach. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
* **Good Soil Health:** Maintain healthy soil by incorporating organic matter, improving drainage, and adjusting the pH as needed.
* **Proper Composting:** Use a hot composting method to ensure complete decomposition of organic matter.
* **Remove Decaying Organic Matter:** Regularly remove fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from your yard.
* **Avoid Excessive Mulch:** Use mulch sparingly and avoid using wood chips or bark mulch in areas prone to stinkhorns.
* **Monitor Your Yard:** Regularly inspect your yard for stinkhorn eggs and remove them promptly.
* **Improve Air Circulation:** Prune trees and shrubs to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
* **Sunlight Exposure:** Maximize sunlight exposure to the soil by pruning trees and shrubs.
## Addressing the Smell
One of the most unpleasant aspects of stinkhorns is their foul odor. While removing the fungi is the best way to eliminate the smell, here are some things you can do to mitigate it in the meantime:
* **Ventilation:** Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and dissipate the odor.
* **Air Fresheners:** Use air fresheners or odor eliminators to mask the smell.
* **Activated Charcoal:** Place bowls of activated charcoal near the affected area to absorb odors.
* **Vinegar:** Place bowls of vinegar near the affected area to neutralize odors.
## Stinkhorns and Pets
While stinkhorns are not considered highly toxic, it’s best to keep pets away from them, especially if they are prone to eating things they shouldn’t. The foul odor and taste are usually enough to deter most animals, but ingestion could cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
* **Supervision:** Supervise your pets when they are in the yard and prevent them from eating stinkhorns.
* **Removal:** Remove stinkhorns promptly to prevent pets from being exposed to them.
* **Veterinary Care:** If your pet ingests stinkhorns and shows signs of illness (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy), contact your veterinarian.
## Conclusion
Getting rid of stinkhorn fungi can be a challenging but achievable task. By understanding their lifecycle, using a combination of removal, soil treatment, and cultural practices, and being persistent, you can effectively control these unwelcome guests and restore your garden to its former glory. Remember that prevention is key, so focus on maintaining healthy soil and removing decaying organic matter to prevent stinkhorns from appearing in the first place. With dedication and a little bit of effort, you can enjoy a stinkhorn-free outdoor space.