Knowledgebase

Unknown pest please help #754298

Asked June 06, 2021, 12:46 PM EDT

I noticed these on my Hibiscus pot this morning. I did not notice them before all this rain that we have gotten. If you notice the pests have white trails. They are also starting to get on a nearby rosebush of mine. The hibiscus is relatively new to my Garden if that makes any difference. I got it about two months ago. I’m thinking maybe Neem oil might kill them or some Dawn dish liquid mix with water? Do you know what these are? Thank you for any and all help. Leeann White

Harris County Texas

Expert Response

It is the spores from either bird's nest or artillery fungus that is in the soil or mulch. Here is some additional information. https://www.uaex.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-7573.pdf

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/Gardening_Handbook/PDF-files/GH-070--birds-nest-fungus.pdf

Thanks for the question

Paul Winski Replied June 07, 2021, 5:40 PM EDT
Paul,

Thank you so much! You are spot-on! I have to admit I’m pretty grossed-out, but glad to have the information. In your opinion, should I dig up and discard all the mulch I can from this bed? Or just put a mulch on top of it that won’t promote the bird’s nest fungi growth? Or rocks?

Thank you,
Leeann 

On Mon, Jun 7, 2021 at 4:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2021, 6:08 PM EDT

You don't really have to do anything, when we get some hot, dry weather they will disappear.

Thanks,

Paul Winski Replied June 07, 2021, 7:10 PM EDT
Oh, sweet! Thank you SO much!!

On Mon, Jun 7, 2021 at 6:10 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2021, 7:37 PM EDT

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