Artillery fungus on vinyl siding - Ask Extension
I have black dots all the way up my 2 story vinyl.siding. Google says it's artillery fungus from my mulch. Power washing does not remove it. It is ...
Knowledgebase
Artillery fungus on vinyl siding #870968
Asked May 31, 2024, 2:24 PM EDT
I have black dots all the way up my 2 story vinyl.siding. Google says it's artillery fungus from my mulch. Power washing does not remove it. It is worse than tar. A plastic scraper can pop off the cap and a brown stain is left on the siding. I have tried many cleaners and got it lightened. Mr. Clean sponge, peroxide, alcohol, mouthwash, Awesome, 30 second outdoor cleaner from Ace. None of these work perfect and are very labor intensive with scrubbing.
My questions: What would happen if I didn't do anything with the spores on the house? Would they eventually bloom and spread? Or just dry up on the house?
Next question, the mulch, I understand this needs to be removed. The spores are not visible in the mulch. Is there any fungicide to clean the mulch? I have lots!
I understand artillery fungus is not harmful to humans or plants and that it won't eat through the siding. My goal is to clean this up so it won't proliferate. Given I have a 2 story house with a slope I may have to hire power washer company with scaffoldings. This is an expensive ugly fungus.
Thank you for any answers you can provide.
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
It sounds like you’re dealing with the infamous “artillery fungus”. These tiny black spots, resembling specks of tar, can appear on white vinyl siding and even on cars parked near mulched areas infested with this fungus. Let’s address your questions:
Removing Artillery Fungus from Siding:
The spore masses of the artillery fungus adhere stubbornly to surfaces, almost like super glue. Unfortunately, there’s no perfect solution for removing them without leaving a stain or damaging the siding, especially if it’s old and dry.
Here are some methods you can try:
Scraping: Physically scrape off the spore masses using a gentle touch. You can use steel wool, but be careful not to remove the paint.
Mildicide Treatment: Consider using a mildicide like Jomax. Apply it and then use a pressure washer very lightly to avoid harming the siding.
Jomax House Cleaner and Mildew Killer is a powerful product designed to restore curb appeal and eliminate mold and mildew from exterior surfaces. Here are some key details about it:
Ingredients: Jomax House Cleaner and Mildew Killer is an EPA-approved, patented concentrate containing a mildewcide, ChlorRelease bleach activator, and detergents.
Usage: When used as directed, Jomax will not damage painted surfaces and can be applied near plants and shrubs.
Application: To use, simply mix Jomax with bleach and water, apply it to the surface, wait five minutes, and then rinse. It’s great for spring cleaning or painting preparation1.
Economical: One gallon of Jomax concentrate makes up to 20 gallons of cleaning solution, covering a substantial area (up to 4000 sq ft).
Remember to read and follow the instructions on the product label for the best results!
Power Washing: Power washing might work on brand-new vinyl siding that still has a shiny, oily sheen.
Ink Eraser: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try removing the stain with an ink eraser, but it can be quite tedious.
Impact on Your Siding:
The artillery fungus spores are alive but dormant. They won’t harm your siding structurally; their main impact is staining.
Unlike termites or other destructive pests, artillery fungus won’t eat holes in your siding. So, no need to worry about structural damage.
Why Light-Colored Surfaces Are More Affected:
In nature, the artillery fungus shoots its spores toward sunlight. When direct sunlight is absent, it targets highly reflective surfaces, such as white house siding.
Light-colored houses and cars are more affected because the black spots stand out better against white surfaces.
Mulch Removal: (Here is the bad news)
There are no fungicidal sprays that treat artillery fungus in the mulch. To get rid of it, you need to remove it the old-fashioned way. That means you need to get rid of all the mulch that is affected by the fungus. Artillery spores live in mulch, so you need to scrape away the old stuff and put down fresh mulch.
Remember, patience and care are essential when dealing with artillery fungus.
Reference: PSU Article: Artillery Fungus Black Spots on Siding and Vehicles -Artillery fungus produce black tar-like spots on vehicles and siding. Penn State University at this link:
https://extension.psu.edu/artillery-fungus-black-spots-on-siding-and-vehicles
I hope this helps!
It sounds like you’re dealing with the infamous “artillery fungus”. These tiny black spots, resembling specks of tar, can appear on white vinyl siding and even on cars parked near mulched areas infested with this fungus. Let’s address your questions:
Removing Artillery Fungus from Siding:
The spore masses of the artillery fungus adhere stubbornly to surfaces, almost like super glue. Unfortunately, there’s no perfect solution for removing them without leaving a stain or damaging the siding, especially if it’s old and dry.
Here are some methods you can try:
Scraping: Physically scrape off the spore masses using a gentle touch. You can use steel wool, but be careful not to remove the paint.
Mildicide Treatment: Consider using a mildicide like Jomax. Apply it and then use a pressure washer very lightly to avoid harming the siding.
Jomax House Cleaner and Mildew Killer is a powerful product designed to restore curb appeal and eliminate mold and mildew from exterior surfaces. Here are some key details about it:
Ingredients: Jomax House Cleaner and Mildew Killer is an EPA-approved, patented concentrate containing a mildewcide, ChlorRelease bleach activator, and detergents.
Usage: When used as directed, Jomax will not damage painted surfaces and can be applied near plants and shrubs.
Application: To use, simply mix Jomax with bleach and water, apply it to the surface, wait five minutes, and then rinse. It’s great for spring cleaning or painting preparation1.
Economical: One gallon of Jomax concentrate makes up to 20 gallons of cleaning solution, covering a substantial area (up to 4000 sq ft).
Remember to read and follow the instructions on the product label for the best results!
Power Washing: Power washing might work on brand-new vinyl siding that still has a shiny, oily sheen.
Ink Eraser: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try removing the stain with an ink eraser, but it can be quite tedious.
Impact on Your Siding:
The artillery fungus spores are alive but dormant. They won’t harm your siding structurally; their main impact is staining.
Unlike termites or other destructive pests, artillery fungus won’t eat holes in your siding. So, no need to worry about structural damage.
Why Light-Colored Surfaces Are More Affected:
In nature, the artillery fungus shoots its spores toward sunlight. When direct sunlight is absent, it targets highly reflective surfaces, such as white house siding.
Light-colored houses and cars are more affected because the black spots stand out better against white surfaces.
Mulch Removal: (Here is the bad news)
There are no fungicidal sprays that treat artillery fungus in the mulch. To get rid of it, you need to remove it the old-fashioned way. That means you need to get rid of all the mulch that is affected by the fungus. Artillery spores live in mulch, so you need to scrape away the old stuff and put down fresh mulch.
Remember, patience and care are essential when dealing with artillery fungus.
Reference: PSU Article: Artillery Fungus Black Spots on Siding and Vehicles -Artillery fungus produce black tar-like spots on vehicles and siding. Penn State University at this link:
https://extension.psu.edu/artillery-fungus-black-spots-on-siding-and-vehicles
I hope this helps!
