Preventing Artillery Fungus is the best approach after mulching your flower beds.

The Complete Power Wash cleaning techs have the expertise and equipment for nearly every tough element that can take the beauty away from properties. These elements include mildew, moss, dark-colored streaks and stains. They specialize in power washing — using the softwash technique — nearly every aspect of a home or business. They are the local experts in the exterior cleaning approach that is safe and effective for every type of building material. There is very little their techs have not tackled, cleaned and conquered.

However, the little black dots found on siding this time of year are nearly impossible to remove, even for these pros. Artillery Fungus — often referred to as Shotgun Fungus — are spores that launch from the ground onto exteriors walls. Once those spores harden, incredible patience and a hand tool are about the only safe way to remove them. They also leave a stain, which can be scrubbed to almost invisible.

 

Details about the black dots and where they come from

Shotgun fungus originates in mulch and it is undetectable until it starts to “bloom.” And since homeowners love to add to landscapes this time of year, the following advice will go a long way towards avoiding frustration. The fungus’ name is derived from the Greek word for “spear thrower,” as it indicates how the black spores are propelled onto a home’s siding from contaminated mulch. The launch can spray up to 20 feet high. The spores are extremely adhesive and will stick to any surface, but are not harmful to building materials. That is about the only good news.

“What can I do about these black dots?” is a common question by homeowners looking at a bespeckled wall. Once you’re asking it, it’s too late. The thing is prevention, meaning, you should inspect your siding right after the mulch is put down. Since most people add mulch to flower beds in spring, this is when to keep a close eye on the walls close to the new mulch. If you see a few black dots, remove the mulch immediately and clean the walls with soap and a soft scrub brush. The mulch should be moved away from the house or other structures for two weeks. That is the duration of the ‘shooting season.”

There are no proven treatments to kill this fungus.

 

Contact CPW for professional pressure washing

Click here to connect to Complete Power Wash for your 2026 pressure washing appointment. You can also call the office at 301-842-2290 or email  the office staff at service@completepowerwash.com.

Complete Power Wash pressure washing techs are the local experts in house washing, roof cleaning and deck and patio cleaning.  From the Hagerstown, MD headquarters, Dustin and his team serve the greater Tri-state area of Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Click on these links to read Complete’s Facebook Reviews and here to read the company’s Google Reviews.

CPW also recommends Extra Mile Power Washing in Bunker Hill, West Virginia for professional pressure washing services in the Eastern Panhandle.

 

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