Bird’s nest fungi are a common sight in many gardens, especially in the spring and summer months. Their distinctive cup-shaped fruiting bodies containing spore capsules can appear overnight in flowerbeds lawns and landscaped areas. While bird’s nest fungi are harmless to plants, their appearance can be unsightly. If you want to get rid of bird’s nest fungi in your yard or garden, there are several effective methods to try.
What Are Bird’s Nest Fungi?
Bird’s nest fungi belong to the genus Crucibulum and are given their name due to their unique nest-like structure. The fruiting body or “nest” is only around 1/4 inch wide and contains tiny egg-shaped peridioles that hold the spores. When water hits the nest, the peridioles are launched up to 4 feet away. This spreading mechanism allows bird’s nest fungi to populate new areas.
These fungi thrive in moist, shady environments with ample organic matter. Typical locations include areas covered with mulch or woodchips, compost piles, wooded landscapes, and anywhere with heavy leaf debris. They grow on decaying plant material in order to break it down and release nutrients into the soil.
How to Identify Bird’s Nest Fungi
Bird’s nest fungi have some key identifying features to look for
- Small cup-shaped structures that resemble tiny nests, usually dark brown or black
- Nest walls have a fuzzy or hairy texture
- Inside the cups are pale round spore capsules
- They appear in groups, seldom singularly
- Often found in mulched beds or other sites with moist organic matter
- Give off a musty, earthy odor
Carefully examining your garden for these characteristics will allow you to confirm bird’s nest fungi. Once identified, you can take action to get rid of them using various removal methods.
Non-Chemical Methods to Remove Bird’s Nest Fungi
The good news about bird’s nest fungi is that they rarely cause significant harm in gardens. However, if you want to remove them for aesthetic reasons, there are several non-chemical approaches:
Manual Removal
Simply use gloved hands or a trowel to lift the fungus out of planting beds or lawns Dispose of the nests and any remnants in sealed bags with household trash Be sure to remove all the root mass so they do not regrow,
Improving Drainage
Bird’s nest fungi thrive in moist conditions. Improve drainage by adding organic material like compost to soils or creating raised planting beds. Proper drainage discourages fungal growth.
Adjusting Mulch
Switch to inorganic mulch materials like gravel or pebbles which do not provide food for fungi. If using organic mulch, maintain an optimal 2-3 inch layer and do not allow it to overlap plants. Rake it smooth to prevent moisture pockets.
Promoting Air Circulation
Space plants appropriately and prune back overgrown branches. Allowing ample air movement reduces humidity levels around foliage and makes the area less hospitable to fungi.
Raking and Cleanup
Rake fallen leaves, twigs, and other yard debris where fungi may take hold. Keep the area tidy and do not allow organic matter to accumulate. Prompt cleanup limits food sources.
When to Use Fungicides for Bird’s Nest Fungi
For severe infestations, fungicides specifically formulated for fungi may be warranted:
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Curative treatments – Apply fungicides directly on existing fungi following label guidelines. This will kill remaining spores and mycelium.
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Preventative sprays – Treat mulched beds and other prime locations before fungi appear in spring. This disrupts the fungal lifecycle before growth begins.
Always read and follow the fungicide label closely, including all safety precautions. Use the minimal effective dosage to avoid environmental impacts. Test in a small area first to ensure the product will not damage plants.
Preventing Bird’s Nest Fungi in Your Garden
An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when dealing with fungal issues. Here are some key tips for stopping bird’s nest fungi before they take hold:
- Choose gravel or inorganic mulches which do not feed fungi
- Space plants appropriately to allow air circulation
- Water early in the day so plants dry out by nighttime
- Avoid overhead watering which wets foliage
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep foliage dry
- Remove dead leaves, stems, and organic debris promptly
- Thin dense growth and prune back overgrown plants
- Ensure proper drainage and amend soil if needed
- Inspect regularly and remove fungi as soon as spotted
Careful garden maintenance and good sanitation practices go a long way towards preventing bird’s nest fungi and other fungal problems. Be vigilant and address issues promptly before they get out of hand.
When Bird’s Nest Fungi May Not Need Removal
In some cases, you may opt to simply leave bird’s nest fungi in place:
- If they are in a wooded or natural area where removal is impractical
- When only a few isolated nests are present
- If you do not find them visually unappealing
- In gardens focused on supporting wildlife
- To take advantage of their soil improvement properties
As long as ample air circulation exists and moisture levels are in check, a small number of bird’s nest fungi generally will not harm garden plants. Monitor them and remove only if they appear to be spreading.
Bird’s nest fungi are a unique presence in many gardens which can be controlled through proper identification, removal methods, and prevention strategies. While harmless to plants, their appearance may be undesirable to some gardeners. With a combination of maintenance techniques like improving drainage, cleanup practices, fungicides, and vigilant monitoring, it is possible to get rid of existing fungi and stop future growth. A few bird’s nest fungi here and there can be tolerated or even enjoyed for their novelty. But if they become more widespread, taking action will help restore your garden’s beauty and health.
What do I do with bird’s nest fungi in my yard?
Bird’s nest fungi are not harmful to living plants, and control of these fungi is typically not necessary. In fact, bird’s nest fungi can be fascinating organisms to observe when you find them in your yard. On occasion, bird’s nest fungi can be a nuisance, particularly when the “eggs” stick to objects such as houses or cars where they are difficult to remove. If bird’s nest fungi become a nuisance, the number of fruiting bodies can be reduced by decreasing irrigation and raking the affected area. The use of non-mulch groundcovers, such as ivy, can also reduce the occurrence of these fungi. Fungicides are not recommended for treatment of bird’s nest fungi.
For more information on bird’s nest fungi:
Contact the University of Wisconsin Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic (PDDC) at (608) 262-2863 or [email protected].
Authors: Amy Gibbs and Brian Hudelson, UW-Madison Plant PathologyLast Revised: 02/28/2024D-number: D0016
References to pesticide products in this publication are for your convenience and are not an endorsement or criticism of one product over similar products. You are responsible for using pesticides according to the manufacturer’s current label directions. Follow directions exactly to protect the environment and people from pesticide exposure. Failure to do so violates the law.
Thanks to Kristin Kleeberger, Mike Maddox, and Ann Wied for reviewing this document.
A complete inventory of UW Plant Disease Facts is available at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic website: https://pddc.wisc.edu.
How to Kill Bird’s Nest Fungus
FAQ
How do you get rid of bird nest fungus?
Control measures are not necessary if you find bird’s nest fungi in your garden. However, If the fungi do present a problem, be sure to rake your garden regularly, keep soil moist, not saturated and use living mulches. Never use a fungicide because this will disturb the natural process of your ecosystem.
How to get rid of bird nest permanently?
MacMurchy suggests discarding the nest by tying it in a bag and placing it in a trash can away from household pets or animals prowling the neighborhood. If possible, add the discarded nest to a compost pile. Nesting material will naturally decompose or may even be reused by other nesting birds.
How to get rid of birds building mud nests on house?
#1 Most Effective Solution: Swallow Bird Netting
Bird Netting is hands down the best swallow protection you can install for your house. For those experiencing heavy infestations of mud nests along the sides of your home, our experts highly recommend swallow bird netting.
Where do bird nest fungi come from?
This is a bird’s nest fungus (family Nidulariaceae). These saprophytic (decomposing) fungi can be found all over the world and are common in disturbed areas with plant debris or mulch, such as the sides of trails.