John Miller
Mushrooms are a tasty treat for many creatures, from insects to mammals. While some bugs like flies, ants, and termites eat mushrooms, others, like squirrels and deer, feast on them too. Bugs and larvae can be a nuisance for mushroom growers and foragers. To combat this, various methods can be employed, such as pasteurization, cultural practices, and insecticides. Growers can also use neem oil, which acts as a poison to insects, disrupting their growth cycle and killing them. For foragers, simple techniques like soaking or refrigerating mushrooms can help kill and remove unwanted critters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bugs that kill mushrooms | Sciarid Fly, Phorid Fly, Cecid Fly, Springtails, Fungus Gnat Larvae, Slugs/Snails, Beetles, Birds, Mammals, Mites, Isopods, Nematodes, Parasitic Wasps, Ladybugs |
| Methods to kill bugs | Soak in saltwater, dehydrate, use CO2, pasteurization, neem oil insecticides, insect killing soap concentrate, parasitic wasps, ladybugs, nematodes |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking mushrooms in saltwater kills bugs and larvae
Mushrooms are a great crop for small farms and growing operations as they do not require sunlight and can be grown inside. However, the controlled environment in which they are grown can become an ideal breeding ground for pests that can decimate a mushroom crop. The Sciarid fly, also known as the fungus gnat, is one of the most common and damaging insects encountered when growing mushrooms indoors. These flies can destroy a fungus crop, leaving mushrooms brown, leathery, and inedible. Other pests to look out for include the Phorid fly, slugs, and snails.
When dealing with mushrooms infested with pests, it is important to act quickly as the insects can quickly devour the mycelium and eat through the stem of the mushroom. One popular method for removing bugs and larvae from mushrooms is to soak them in saltwater. This method is particularly effective for certain types of mushrooms, such as Morels and Oysters, as a short soak in saltwater will not harm their texture and will quickly draw out or kill any bugs and larvae that may be inside. It is recommended to use no more than a couple of tablespoons of salt per few cups of water, as the mushrooms may become too salty. In addition, the soak should not exceed 5-10 minutes, as the texture of the mushrooms will begin to degrade. After soaking, the mushrooms should be left out to dry before use or storage.
While saltwater soaking can be an effective method for killing bugs and larvae in mushrooms, it is important to note that it may not remove every single larva. In addition, this method is not suitable for mushrooms with pores, such as Boletes or Porcini, or fragile mushrooms such as Shaggy Manes. As an alternative to saltwater soaking, some people suggest simply washing the mushrooms well in cold water, which can help prevent them from becoming mushy.
Another method for removing bugs and larvae from mushrooms is to slice the mushrooms thinly, which will kill a lot of the larvae. Hollow mushrooms like Morels can be cut in half and dehydrated, causing the bugs to crawl out and fall off the mushrooms. This method can also be combined with the use of a dehydrator, which will kill any remaining bugs.
Overall, while saltwater soaking can be an effective method for killing bugs and larvae in certain types of mushrooms, it is important to consider the potential impact on the texture of the mushrooms and explore alternative methods, such as slicing and dehydration.
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Ants, termites, and squirrels eat mushrooms
Squirrels are a common sight in urban and suburban yards, and their relationship with mushrooms offers fascinating insights into the interconnectedness of our ecosystem. Squirrels are omnivores, and mushrooms are a part of their diet. Interestingly, squirrels can consume poisonous mushrooms, such as the invasive death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), without being affected. They also have a unique way of drying mushrooms to store them for the winter. This behavior was documented as early as 1900 in Siberia, where squirrels were observed storing mushrooms by pinning them on pine needles or small twigs to dry.
Termites also have a symbiotic relationship with mushrooms, specifically the Termitomyces genus of basidiomycete fungi, commonly known as termite mushrooms. The termites house and cultivate the fungi, and in return, the fungi provide a food source for the termites. Termitomyces include some of the largest edible mushrooms in the world, such as Termitomyces titanicus, found in West Africa and Zambia, with caps reaching one meter in diameter.
Ants, specifically the Attini tribe (subfamily Myrmicinae), also exhibit a mutualistic relationship with certain species of fungi. This relationship is similar to agriculture, as the ants actively cultivate fungi as a food source. In some cases, the ants and fungi are dependent on each other for survival. For example, the leafcutter ant is a well-known example of this symbiosis, where the ants craft an optimal environment for their fungi by excluding them from competition and using living biomass as a substrate.
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Flies are a common mushroom pest
The adult Phorid fly is a particular nuisance, as it can transmit fungal and bacterial diseases. They are attracted to the most actively growing mycelia and can invade mushroom farms and even residential areas. Phorid flies are not a health concern for humans, as they do not sting, bite, or vector human diseases. However, they can significantly reduce crop yields and cause economic losses for farmers.
Cecid flies are another concern, as they multiply rapidly under optimal conditions. The larvae of these flies are legless maggots that spread by sticking to tools and equipment. Sciarid flies, also known as fungus gnats, are one of the most damaging pests for indoor mushroom growers. They can destroy a fungus crop, leaving mushrooms brown, leathery, and inedible.
To control and eradicate these pests, mushroom growers can employ various methods. Cultural control practices such as sanitation, composting, and pasteurization are essential. Exclusion techniques, such as sealing rooms and proper screening, are critical to preventing breeding flies. Other methods include shortening crop cycles, post-harvest steam cleaning, promoting drainage, and using traps.
Additionally, there are chemical treatments available, such as insecticidal soaps, pyrethrins, and neem oil-based products, which can be sprayed on walls and floors to kill soft- and hard-bodied insects. These treatments can disrupt the insect's growth cycle, act as poison when ingested, or weaken their outer shell.
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Neem oil insecticides kill soft- and hard-bodied insects
Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in the seeds of the neem tree. It has been used for over a hundred years to control pests and diseases. Neem oil is safe for humans and most wildlife, as its insecticidal properties are targeted at specific pests that damage garden plants. It is also pet-safe, although exposure should be limited when possible.
Neem oil contains many components, with Azadirachtin being the most active. This chemical interferes with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs. It also reduces insect feeding and acts as a repellent. Neem oil can be formulated into granules, dust, wettable powders, or emulsifiable concentrates.
As an insecticide, neem oil kills small soft-bodied insects like Aphids, Mealybugs, Mites, Thrips, and Whiteflies on contact. It can be sprayed as a knockdown treatment, followed by the release of generalist beneficial insects, such as Green Lacewing, to minimize pest populations. This method ensures spot treatment with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
To make a neem oil mixture, combine 1 to 2 teaspoons of dish detergent with 1 gallon of warm water in a sprayer. After thoroughly mixing, slowly add 1 to 2 tablespoons of neem oil. It is important to follow the label instructions and take steps to minimize exposure when using neem oil.
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Pasteurisation kills pests and microbes
Mushrooms are often infested with pests and microbes, such as larvae and insects, which can be removed or killed in various ways. One common method is to place the harvested mushrooms in a plastic container in the fridge, as the cold temperature will drive out the pests. Another method is to soak the mushrooms in saltwater, which will kill the bugs and larvae without affecting their texture. However, these methods may not eliminate all pests and microbes.
To effectively kill pests and microbes in mushrooms, pasteurization can be employed. Pasteurization is a process of food preservation that involves treating packaged foods with heat, typically below 100°C (212°F), to eliminate pathogens and extend shelf life. This process was discovered by French chemist Louis Pasteur in 1864 as a way to prevent wine and beer from souring. Pasteur found that heating wine to 50-60°C (122-140°F) for a short time was sufficient to kill the microbes without sacrificing the final quality.
The same principle can be applied to mushrooms to kill pests and microbes. By raising the temperature to 140°C for at least four hours, mushroom compost can be properly pasteurized, killing or deactivating pests and microbes. This method ensures that the mushrooms are free from harmful organisms and extends their shelf life.
It is important to note that pasteurization may not kill all bacterial spores, and certain microbes may remain viable but non-culturable, leading to potential post-pasteurization contamination. Additionally, pasteurization can affect the growth of beneficial microbes needed for later growth processes. Therefore, subsequent refrigeration and reintroduction of specific microbial populations may be necessary to achieve the desired mushroom product.
Overall, pasteurization is an effective method to kill pests and microbes in mushrooms, improving food safety and extending shelf life. However, it should be complemented with proper storage and handling practices to ensure the complete elimination of harmful organisms.
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Frequently asked questions
Sciarid flies, also known as fungus gnats, are one of the most common and damaging insects encountered when growing mushrooms indoors. Phorid flies, cecid flies, slugs, snails, mites, and springtails can also be harmful to mushrooms.
To prevent bugs from killing mushrooms, you can use natural remedies, beneficial insects, companion plants, or organic pesticides. You can also try sterilization, air filtration, and integrated pest management techniques.
Signs of pest infestation include visible insects, damage, abnormalities, holes, or bite marks on the mushrooms. You may also notice changes in mushroom color, texture, or size.
Soaking mushrooms in salty water can help remove bugs. You can also try slicing the mushrooms thinly, dehydrating them, and then brushing off the remaining bugs.
