Stinkhorns

We have huge stinkhorns growing in our mulch beds! THey smell really yucky- and attract FLIES. Ick! I was just wondering if anyone else has seen these...

 

I've had them in the past. They are certainly...unforgettable looking. [:I]

 

What's a stinkhorn??

 

http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/fungi/Phallus_impudicus/

You'd never ask if you've ever had them.

 

Ok, I thought they were interesting and unique at first...but I need to get rid of them. They stink stink stink and there are the strangest largest blue flies buzzing around our front door. It smells like our front yard is the new dog park.
How do I get rid of these? I am going out front right now to put them all in a plastic bag and throw them in the trash- but will they re-infect?

 

We had a stinkhorn problem last year in areas where there was a lot of damp mulch. (maybe it was due to over mulching??)

Stinkhorns seem they thrive in moist mulch. Try mixing up the mulch with a rake so the trapped moisture can escape.

Here is a short blurb about stinkhorns from http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/programs/urbanhort/publications/A-Word-or-Two-X.htm

Stinkhorns are found in moist locations where there is decaying plant material. This can include pervasive leaf litter, an excessive build up of thatch in turf, old tree roots and decomposing wood, especially wood chips (as opposed to tree bark) used as mulch. Although their stench and the flies they attract can be disagreeable, stinkhorns should be regarded as beneficial. They are true saprophytes, and do not attack living trees, but contribute to the breakdown and eventual recycling of dead plant material. There are no chemical controls for these fungi, and removal of the ‘eggs’ as soon as they appear can help limit the spread of fungal spores. Once the supply of decomposing plant matter is exhausted the stinkhorn will disappear.

Good luck

 

Thanks for the info- i did read that they are beneficial but they are right by our front door- the benefits do not outweigh the smell in that particular location. I think the neighbors thought I was crazy- After I rooted out all of the stinkhorns I sprayed the whole front yard (my postage stamp) with Lysol. It really made a difference!
We've been watering the lawn a lot this fall- I'll try mixing up the mulch- thanks!!!

 

That would be the first time I've ever heard of anyone spraying their front yard with Lysol. You've effectively eliminated "99% of odor-causing bacteria".