Dog vomit and other slime molds are saprophytic, which means they feed on decaying organic matter.
They’re most likely to show up during warm, wet periodssometimes seeming to pop up overnight.
They are not diseases and won’t harm your plants.
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Is Dog Vomit Slime Mold Bad?
Scientists have also discovered that this organism potentially turns heavy metals in the environment into inert substances.
Fuligo septicais not harmful to humans or animals, although it might affect people with allergic sensitivities.
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Researchers are also looking at the characteristics of this species for potential medical uses.
What Causes Dog Vomit Slime Mold?
Dog vomit slime mold is produced by the wind-borne spores ofFuligo septicathat land in your yard.
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The spores survive even during hot, dry weather.
They remain viable for several years, waiting for favorable conditions to grow.
Occasionally, it grows on plants growing in mulch.
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The fruiting body deteriorates when the slime mold dries out from lack of moisture.
After its growth phase, the fruiting body turns black, produces spores, and fades away.
The prolific spores will spread easily and remain in the organic material of the garden.
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Dispose of it in an inconspicuous area.
It is best not to dispose of it in your compost pile unless you practicehot composting.
Otherwise, more of it might show up in your garden later via the compost.
But remember, you’ll also release spores as you scrape the slime mold.
So it might come back to a nearby location.
Aerating it usually dries it out, but beware, it may also spread the spores on the wind.
Switch to Inorganic Mulch
Drier conditions should make it disappear.
Dog vomit slime mold can live indefinitely if it has decaying organic matter to feed upon.
However, its bright yellow color sometimes disappears, even within two days.
Dog vomit slime mold is not a fungus, unlike most common molds.
Slime molds and fungi look similar and thrive in the same conditions.
But their structures and the way they ingest their food are different.
You’ll not likely get dog vomit slime mold indoors.
The slime is harmless to pets though the dusty spores may irritate the respiratory system.
If a large enough colony of the slime mold forms, it might smother a small, tender plant.
However, this is uncommon and the mold is just found in the mulch around the plant.
I ain’t afraid of no slime mold.
University of Florida IFAS Extension.
Be-at-Home With Nature: Dog Vomit Slime Mold.University of Florida.
Dog Vomit Slime Mold.
