Shotgun Fungus: What Those Tiny Black Specks on Your Home Mean & How to Keep Them from Getting Worse

You might have seen them—tiny black dots all over your siding, fence, or even your car. They don’t wipe off easily, and they seem to multiply over time.

That’s not dirt, mold, or bug droppings—it’s shotgun fungus (also called artillery fungus), and if you live in Raleigh, NC, it’s probably already on your home.

The bad news? Once those spores stick, they’re nearly impossible to remove without damaging your siding.

The good news? You can stop it from spreading and keep it from getting worse.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is Shotgun Fungus?

Shotgun fungus (Sphaerobolus stellatus) is a stubborn little fungus that launches its spores up to 20 feet toward bright surfaces like:

House siding (especially light-colored vinyl or painted wood)
Fences
Deck railings
Windows
Cars parked near mulch

Those black specks? They’re spores that hardened like glue, which is why they won’t wash away with rain, a hose, or even pressure washing.

💡 The #1 cause? Wood mulch near your home.

Can You Remove Shotgun Fungus?

Here’s the tough part—shotgun fungus stains are nearly permanent.

🛑 Pressure washing doesn’t remove it (and too much pressure can actually push spores deeper into the surface).
🛑 Scraping or scrubbing can damage your siding without fully getting rid of the spots.
🛑 Chemical cleaners might lighten the stains, but they won’t dissolve the spores.

So, while cleaning might slightly improve the appearance, the best thing you can do is stop it from spreading and prevent new spores from landing.

How to Prevent Shotgun Fungus from Getting Worse

Since the spores are already stuck, your best move is to prevent new ones from landing and reduce future buildup.

1. Switch to a Different Mulch

Wood mulch is the biggest culprit, so changing it out is your best long-term fix.

✅ Best mulch alternatives to prevent shotgun fungus:

✔ Pine bark nuggets – They break down slower and don’t create the same fungal environment.
✔ Stone or gravel – No organic material, no fungus.
✔ Rubber mulch – A great low-maintenance option.

🚨 Avoid regular shredded hardwood mulch—it’s the worst for shotgun fungus growth.

2. Keep Mulch Away from Your Siding

Even if you don’t want to replace your mulch entirely, you can reduce the spread by creating a barrier.

✅ Keep at least 12–18 inches between mulch beds and your home’s siding.
✅ Use landscaping fabric or stone borders to keep spores from reaching your house.
✅ Rake and turn over mulch every few weeks to disrupt fungus growth.

3. Use a Shotgun Fungus-Resistant Mulch Treatment

There are some mulch sprays and treatments designed to slow down fungal growth.

✅ Mushroom compost or lime-based treatments can help prevent spores from forming.
✅ A fresh layer of mulch every year can keep the surface layer from developing fungus.

💡 If replacing mulch isn’t an option, at least keep it fresh and well-maintained to reduce fungal buildup.

4. Be Mindful of Where You Park

If you’ve got shotgun fungus on your car, chances are it’s coming from mulch near your driveway or parking spot.

✅ Avoid parking too close to mulch beds, especially after it rains.
✅ Waxing your car can create a slight barrier, making spores easier to wipe off.

5. Accept That Prevention is the Best Cure

Since removal is nearly impossible, the best thing you can do is:

✔ Change out high-risk mulch
✔ Keep mulch beds away from your siding
✔ Regularly maintain your landscaping to prevent buildup

If you already have a lot of shotgun fungus stains, your options are:

🛑 Live with the spots (since most people won’t notice them unless they’re close up).
🛑 Consider repainting if your home’s surface allows it.
🛑 Replace affected siding if the stains really bother you.

💡 The bottom line? Once shotgun fungus is there, it’s staying. But with the right steps, you can stop it from getting worse.

Final Thoughts: Control the Spread Before It’s Too Late

If you’ve noticed tiny black specks on your home, it’s not just dirt—it’s shotgun fungus.

✔ Switching your mulch is the most effective way to prevent future stains.
✔ Keeping mulch beds away from your siding can reduce the spread.
✔ There’s no easy removal solution, but prevention will keep it from getting worse.

At No Pressure Power Washing, we help homeowners protect their homes from buildup, mold, and stains. While we can’t remove shotgun fungus, we can help clean and maintain the rest of your exterior.

🚀 Want to protect your home from other stains & grime? Call 919-504-6650 or book online at nopressurepowerwash.com today!