Expert: Robert Lamb - 5/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: Though not a window question persay but around the outside of my home are small darkest spots on the walks, aluminum railings and posts. I'm assuming it's insect dung of some sort but not really sure. I've tried pressure washing it but is really hard to remove and time consuming. My question is what is it and dfo you know of an easy way to help in removing it? I live in Pa and I'm confused what I am looking at. Thanks

ANSWER: Scott,

From the limited description you provide, I can't say for sure, but my educated guess is that you're dealing with artillery fungus, Mother Nature's version of 'super glue'.

Take a look at this article (http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/artfungus/artilleryfungus.htm) and see if the problem you have is indeed artillery fungus. If it is, I have some suggestions I would be happy to send you.

Sincerely,

Robert Lamb
Window Masters
www.robscleaningservice.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Rob, after looking at the article, I believe that is in fact the case. I do apply mulch every year, but I don't know really whether it's a wood or bark mulch. But it is true that they are almost impossible to get off.As the article states it is mostly on my white aluminum railings and posts and super glue is a great description. It is also showing up on my cement patio too. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Scott

Answer
Scott,

I've personally dealt with this fungi. It's a tough one. My suggestions are:

1. Remove existing mulch to prevent new spores.

2. Replace with inorganic mulch such as stone, pea gravel, or ground up recycled tires. At the very least, replace existing mulch with cedar, redwood, or cypress mulch.

3. Use a pressure washer with a high flow rate (at least 5.5 g.p.m.) with hot water, at 200 degrees Fahrenheit at 3000 psi.

4. Remove the tops of the remaining spores with a dull putty knife, finishing up with 000 grade steel wool.

This process is very labor intensive, but the only known cure for "shotgun" or artillery fungus.

For further tips see this very informative article:

http://www.dcs1.com/articles/shotgun.html

Let me know how things come out.

Sincerely,

Robert Lamb
Window Masters
www.robscleaningservice.com