John Miller
Stinkhorn mushrooms are known for their putrid, rotting meat-like smell, which they emit to attract flies. While they are not harmful to plants, they are considered a nuisance by many gardeners due to their strong odour. If you are looking to get rid of these mushrooms, one method is to use a mixture of boiling water and bleach, which can kill the fungi and prevent new ones from growing. However, this solution is toxic and will likely harm other plants and contaminate the soil. Therefore, it is recommended to dig out the mushrooms at their base and dispose of the surrounding soil. Alternatively, you can use lime, which will make the soil uninhabitable for the fungus, but it should be handled with caution as it is a caustic substance. While these methods can help remove stinkhorn mushrooms, it is important to note that they are challenging to eradicate completely, and they may reappear even after aggressive attempts at removal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of bleach | Kills stinkhorn mushrooms but may also harm other plants and contaminate the soil |
| Other methods | Uprooting the mushrooms, using lime, boiling water, or changing the pH of the area |
| Ease of removal | Stinkhorn mushrooms are nearly impossible to kill and may return even after aggressive attempts |
| Timeframe | Stinkhorn mushrooms usually appear for a few weeks once or twice a year, especially during wet and cool weather |
| Impact on plants | Stinkhorn mushrooms are not poisonous and can be beneficial to the soil by breaking down rotting material |
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What You'll Learn
Bleach and boiling water
Stinkhorn mushrooms are smelly, reddish orange mushrooms that may resemble a wiffle ball, an octopus, or a straight stem up to 8 inches (20 cm) high. They are not poisonous and are beneficial to the soil of your garden. However, they are unwelcome guests in your garden due to their horrible smell.
Stinkhorn mushrooms are nearly impossible to kill. They may come back even after the most aggressive attempts to kill them. The easiest way to kill them is to use a combination of boiling water and bleach.
To kill stinkhorn mushrooms using boiling water and bleach, start by mixing equal parts boiling water and bleach in a large bucket. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area. Then, pour the solution directly onto the fungus to kill existing mushrooms and prevent others from growing.
Keep in mind that this solution is toxic, so it will likely kill other plants it comes into contact with and may also contaminate the soil. If you want to avoid this, you can dig out the mushrooms at the base and get rid of the soil in about a 6-inch radius around each one. You can also sprinkle lime powder over the area after applying the boiling water and bleach solution to make the soil uninhabitable for the fungus. However, lime is a caustic substance, so be careful when handling it.
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Lime
Stinkhorn mushrooms are thin, pale mushrooms with a bulbous head, which emit a putrid odour, often likened to that of decaying flesh. They are not poisonous, and they do not harm plants or cause disease. In fact, they help break down mulch and rotting material, making it easier for plants to absorb nourishment.
However, if you are unlucky enough to have stinkhorn mushrooms in your garden, you may want to get rid of them. Stinkhorns are nearly impossible to kill, and they may come back even after the most aggressive attempts to remove them.
One way to deter their growth is to regularly clean up your yard, as mushrooms thrive in damp, dark areas with decay to feed off. You can also remove underground stumps, dead roots, and sawdust left from grinding stumps, as stinkhorns grow on rotting organic matter.
If you want to kill the stinkhorn fungus, you can use lime, which will make the soil uninhabitable for the fungus. Before applying the lime to the soil, read the instructions printed on the package. You may need to first dampen the soil before laying down the lime. Make sure to protect yourself with gloves and goggles when you work, and keep kids and pets out of the treated area for a few days. Lime is a caustic substance, so be careful when handling it.
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Digging up and removing mushrooms
Stinkhorn mushrooms are smelly, reddish-orange mushrooms that may resemble a wiffle ball, an octopus, or a straight stem up to 8 inches (20 cm) high. They are not poisonous, and they benefit plants by breaking down rotting material into nourishment. However, they can be a nuisance due to their unpleasant odour, which resembles putrid rotting meat, and their ability to attract insects.
If you want to get rid of stinkhorn mushrooms, you can try digging them up and removing them. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Prepare the necessary tools and protective gear:
Before you start, gather some essential tools and protective gear to make the process safer and more efficient. You will need:
- Gardening gloves: Latex disposable gloves can protect your hands from the smelly and sticky substance on the mushrooms.
- Shovel or trowel: You will need a shovel or trowel to dig up the mushrooms and remove the surrounding soil.
- Plastic bags: Use airtight plastic bags to securely contain the removed mushrooms and soil to prevent the spread of spores.
Locate the stinkhorn mushrooms:
Stinkhorn mushrooms can be identified by their reddish-orange colour and distinctive odour, which resembles putrid rotting meat. They may also have an unusual shape, resembling a wiffle ball or an octopus. Look for these characteristics to identify the mushrooms you need to remove.
Dig out the mushrooms:
When you find a stinkhorn mushroom, don't simply clip off the above-ground portion. Instead, use your shovel or trowel to dig beneath it until you reach the mushroom's egg-shaped base. Ensure you remove the entire base to prevent regrowth. Place the removed mushroom in a plastic bag, sealing it tightly to prevent the release of spores.
Remove the surrounding soil:
The soil immediately surrounding the mushroom may contain spores or undeveloped mushrooms. Dig up a layer of soil in approximately a 6-inch radius around the removed mushroom. Place this soil in the plastic bag along with the mushroom to prevent the spread of spores and potential regrowth.
Dispose of the contents properly:
Seal the plastic bag firmly shut and place it out for trash collection. Do not discard the contents with yard waste, as a ruptured bag could release spores and lead to new mushroom growth.
Repeat the process as needed:
Stinkhorn mushrooms may produce new fruiting bodies, so remain vigilant and repeat the removal process as necessary. Regularly patrol your garden or lawn to identify and remove any new stinkhorn mushrooms.
While digging up and removing stinkhorn mushrooms can be effective, it is important to note that they are challenging to eradicate completely. Even with aggressive attempts, the mushrooms may persist or return. Additionally, stinkhorns are seasonal and usually only last a few days. Therefore, it may be wiser to leave them alone, as they are beneficial to the soil and will eventually disappear on their own.
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Changing soil pH
Stinkhorn mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be difficult to remove. While bleach can be used to kill them, it will likely harm other plants in the area and damage the soil. Therefore, changing the soil pH may be a more effective method to prevent stinkhorn mushrooms from growing.
Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). Most soils used for agricultural production in the US have a pH between 5.5 and 8, with Colorado surface soils tending to be more alkaline, ranging from 7.0 to 8.2. The pH level of the soil can impact the availability and uptake of essential plant nutrients, influencing the chemical and biological reactions that occur.
To change the soil pH, you can use products containing limestone or sulfur. Limestone products, such as pulverized, granular, pelletized, or hydrated lime, can be used to raise the pH level of acidic soils. The amount of lime required depends on factors such as soil texture, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter content. Soil testing laboratories can determine the amount of limestone needed to achieve the desired pH level.
On the other hand, sulfur can be used to lower the pH level of alkaline soils. This process may take several months, as soil microorganisms play a role in converting sulfur to sulfuric acid, and the rate of conversion depends on factors such as fineness, soil moisture, and temperature. Aluminum sulfate is another option for lowering soil pH instantly, as it produces acidity as soon as it dissolves in the soil. However, it is important to note that these products should not come into contact with plant leaves, as they may cause leaf burn.
By adjusting the soil pH, you can create an environment that is less conducive to the growth of stinkhorn mushrooms and more favorable for the plants you wish to cultivate. It is important to consider the specific needs of the plants you want to grow and select the appropriate products and methods to achieve the desired soil pH.
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Using neem oil, compost tea, strong coffee, or baking soda
Stinkhorn mushrooms are a type of fungus that has an offensive smell, likened to that of feces or a dead and decaying animal. They are not poisonous to humans or pets, but they can cause allergy-related issues and attract insects. While they are beneficial to the soil of your garden, you may want to get rid of them due to their unpleasant smell.
Before attempting to kill stinkhorn mushrooms, consider that it may be easier to leave them alone, as they are nearly impossible to kill and only tend to stick around for a few days. If you still want to get rid of them, you can try using neem oil, compost tea, strong coffee, or baking soda solutions. These natural solutions can kill the fungus and penetrate the topsoil. Here's how to use each method effectively:
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can kill the bugs attracted to the stinkhorn mushrooms. However, it will not directly kill the mushrooms themselves. To use neem oil, mix it with water and spray it on the affected area. This will help control the insect population and prevent the spread of spores by insects.
Compost Tea
Compost tea is a natural fertilizer that can also be used to kill fungus. To make compost tea, steep compost in water for a few days, then strain the mixture and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the compost tea on the affected area to kill the stinkhorn mushrooms and improve the health of your garden soil.
Strong Coffee
Strong coffee can be used as a natural fungicide. Brew a strong pot of coffee and let it cool to room temperature. Pour the coffee directly onto the stinkhorn mushrooms and the surrounding soil. The coffee will kill the mushrooms and prevent them from returning.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to change the pH of the soil, making it inhospitable for the stinkhorn mushrooms. Mix baking soda with water to form a solution, then pour it onto the affected area. You can also sprinkle dry baking soda directly onto the mushrooms and soil. This method may harm other plants in the area, so use it with caution.
When using any of these methods, it is important to wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid direct contact with the stinkhorn mushrooms and their spores. Additionally, remove the immediate soil around the mushrooms, as it may contain spores or undeveloped mushrooms. Place the excavated soil and mushrooms in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away with your regular trash, not with your yard waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a mixture of equal parts boiling water and bleach will kill stinkhorn mushrooms. However, this solution will also likely harm and kill other plants in the area and contaminate the soil.
Stinkhorn mushrooms grow on rotting organic matter. Remove underground stumps, dead roots, and sawdust left from grinding stumps. The fungus also grows on decomposing hardwood mulch, so replace old hardwood mulch with pine needles, straw, or chopped leaves.
Stinkhorn mushrooms can be killed by uprooting them or using lime. However, they are nearly impossible to kill and may come back even after aggressive attempts.
