Mulch and Black Specks

[brat789]

The other day I picked my son up from school and as I was helping him into the car I saw a bunch of black specks in his ears and a few things in his hair. I was horrified. I usually see them on him here or there, but never as many as I did that day. I said "did anyone throw dirt or anything on you?" and he said "no, not dirt, someone threw mulch on me on the playground". UGGGGH. I thought schools typically used rubber mulch but when I asked him what kind it was he said "just like grandpas", which is dark brown wood mulch. Our is reddish brown wood mulch.


I know lamb and a few others have made mention of a possible mulch connection. I am curious as to how many of us have mulch or have had contact with mulch. I have it outside my home in the front of the house by my porch and windows, and I think that's how these specs are getting into my home. I wish I could remember the exact time my husband started using the mulch outside.

[brat789]

Didn't some say that when they had specks sent away they were identified as carbon? I just looked up mulch fungus/bacteria and read this:

Wood and bark, as organic matter, decompose over time. Bacteria and fungi are involved in the decomposition. These organisms derive their energy for growth from the carbon-based compounds found in wood and bark. Both bacteria and fungi are microscopic, but fungi may be visible.
Landscape Mulch Fungus

Lamb, I believe you had posted a video about this fungus. They say it is tar like and I can say that I have found stains in my house and on our socks resembling tar that do not come out in the wash.

I am now 100% convinced this is the black stuff in my son's bedroom furniture. As the video said, and another website, this stuff embeds in wooden decks, the outside of cars, house siding etc. and that it takes the finish with it. My son's bedroom furniture was new a little over a year ago and there are spots where the finish is missing and there are black spots embedded in the finish.

The artillery fungus "shoots" its black, sticky spore mass which can be windblown as high as the second story of a house. The spore mass sticks to the side of a building or automobile, resembling a small speck of tar. They may be found on the undersides of leaves on plants growing in mulched areas. Once in place, the spore mass is very difficult to remove without damaging the surface to which it is attached. If removed, it leaves a stain. A few of these spots are barely noticeable, but as they accumulate, they may become very unsightly on houses or cars. To date there are no known ways to manage the artillery fungus.

[lamb]

brat, I did not post anything but comments, I am computer illiterate! I know the video you mean, you'll have to look up that thread. I can't remember who posted it but I have no doubt that this theory is right on. My mulch is gone but the dog is still bringing these whatevers into the house from the lawn. It's an endless cycle! I remember reading something about a product for the yard, I think it was called "Organix" or something very close to that. Folks said it worked well, perhaps you can find it in the search engine. I think it was last summer. Sorry, I have total short term memory loss!

[brat789]

Thanks Lamb, sorry I thought it was you. My short term memory is bad also...hence why I don't remember what post it was on and who posted it. LOL.

Thanks I'll look into the Organix. Our mulch is still out there. I plan on getting it up when the weather gets really cold, so hopefully the mold fungus will be inactive. I haven't wanted to touch the stuff.

[lamb]

Brat!! Don't even THINK about touching it! Tell your hubby that stone is permanent and to replace it one time after the mulch is cleaned out is FAR less expensive than 3-4 hundred every year to replace the mulch.
In order for the stone to work PERMANENTLY the mulch must be removed and filter fabric has to go down before the ONE TIME stone is laid, of course it would be GREAT if we sprayed something on the dirt to keep the Foundation mold and mildew free prior to the filter fabric and the stone going down.
Wouldn't that be great Honey? and think about how much money we'll save! Besides, the stone doesn't smell for 2 weeks every spring and what a mess etc. etc.
Come on Girl, put your smart pants on!
Worked for me!

[brat789]

Good idea lamb. I would rather have plain old dirt there, at this point I don't care what the landscape looks like . Maybe I'll call a landscape company in to put the rocks down and dispose of the mulch.