The "death-smelling fungus" you're likely referring to is the Stinkhorn (family Phallaceae), especially common types like Phallus impudicus, which emit a foul odor of rotting flesh to attract flies for spore dispersal, often appearing as phallic shapes with slimy, spore-laden caps. While harmless to plants and even beneficial decomposers, their smell and appearance mimic decay to lure insects, which inadvertently spread their spores, notes Australian Geographic and Gardening Know How.
Contrary to some popular beliefs, stinkhorn fungi are not poisonous to animals or people. By breaking down organic matter, they contribute nutrients to our soils and are considered beneficial. If you find them too unattractive or smelly to tolerate, it's best to scoop them up and toss them away as soon as they appear.
Other wild mushrooms containing Amatoxin such as the Death Cap mushroom cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms followed by liver damage characterised by jaundice and bleeding disorders leading to haemorrhage, liver failure, kidney failure, seizures, coma and cardiac arrest leading to death even if only a small amount ...
Stinkhorns - Just spray the little horrors with scotchgard or other sealant. Flies can't spread the spores, and they quickly wilt and die. Then dig them up, root and all, and dispose as above.
The stinkhorn is a phallus-shaped fungus that emerges from an egg-shaped base. The pitted, bell-shaped cap is covered with olive-brown slime and has an offensive smell. The stinkhorn can be found in woods and gardens, and is associated with rotting wood.
Number 1 - Devil's fingers
The most terrifying fungus out there! The devil's fingers fungus hatches from a slimy, gelatinous 'egg'. As it grows, the tentacle-like arms start to protrude...
Mold emits a damp, earthy, or musty odor, often compared to wet socks or rotting wood. This smell comes from microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), gases released by mold as it grows.
No fungicide treatments or other methods are available to prevent stinkhorns from appearing in a garden. Removing organic matter (e.g., mulch) or reducing soil moisture may reduce the number of stinkhorns that appear.
In the United States, the highest concentrations of brown marmorated stink bugs occur in the mid-Atlantic region, and they have been identified in 38 states and the District of Columbia. They cause major economic damage to fruit, vegetable, and field crops in the mid-Atlantic region.
'Stinkhorns' are not considered to be poisonous. No human fatalities have been recorded as resulting from consumption of members of this group. They are considered 'Noxious' for their foul odor and reported veterinary experience of dogs ingesting the mushrooms and having gastric irritation symptoms.
The most poisonous mushroom in Australia, responsible for the majority of fatalities, is the Death Cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which contains deadly amatoxins that cause irreversible liver and kidney failure, often with just one mushroom being enough to kill an adult. Other highly toxic Australian species include the Deadly Dapperling (Lepiota brunneoincarnata) and certain Cortinarius and Galerina species, but the Death Cap is the most notorious for causing severe poisoning and deaths.
The mortality rate of ingestion of the death cap mushroom is believed to be around 10–30%. Some authorities strongly advise against putting suspected death caps in the same basket with fungi collected for the table and to avoid even touching them.
More commonly referred to as death cap mushrooms, they are extremely poisonous, causing liver and kidney damage almost immediately, and leading to death in 80% of dogs that eat them.
Stinkhorns are short-lived organisms and last only about a day before shriveling up and dying.
The Bay Area is home to two of the world's most toxic mushrooms – the death cap (Amanita phalloides) and the western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata). Both grow near oak trees and contain lethal toxins.
Stinkhorns are saprobes, digesting all manner of organic debris, and grow well in wood chip habitat or other composted areas. They prefer to live in moist, protected locations. They are somewhat invasive, and can take over landscapes, making outdoor activities inhospitable during the fruiting season.
They don't bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, they can release an unpleasant odor when handled or crushed. This smell is their way of defending themselves from predators. For some people, especially those sensitive to strong scents, the odor may cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction.
The mosquito is the world's deadliest animal. Spreading diseases like dengue, West Nile, Zika, chikungunya, malaria, and lymphatic filariasis, the mosquito kills more people than any other creature in the world.
Stink bugs show up in homes for several reasons. They're drawn to structures where they can find shelter that will keep them warm through the cold winter. They are especially attracted to: Homes with south-facing walls that get warmed by the sun during the day.
You can use a few methods to deal with stinkhorns in your landscape:
Where to find stinkhorn. It is very common in the UK and Ireland and most of mainland Europe. It grows in all types of woodland, particularly coniferous, and in gardens. More often smelled than seen; its aroma can be detected far and wide and can be mistaken for dead animals or bad drains.
Lawn fungus can appear as brown or white patches and can quickly destroy your grass. Natural solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and neem oil are a great way to remove lawn fungus. Proper maintenance, like watering at the right time, is key to preventing lawn fungus.
The hardest smells to get rid of are often deeply embedded, like skunk spray, cigarette smoke, pet urine, mold/mildew, and fire/water damage odors, because they permeate porous materials (carpets, upholstery, drywall, synthetic fabrics) and can get into HVAC systems, requiring professional cleaning or specialized ozone treatments to neutralize the odor molecules themselves, not just mask them.
Mold toxicity warning signs often include persistent fatigue, brain fog (memory/focus issues), chronic sinus/respiratory problems (cough, congestion, wheezing), digestive issues (bloating, IBS-like symptoms), mood changes (anxiety, depression), neurological symptoms (numbness, dizziness, ringing in ears), skin issues (rashes, itching), and inflammation-related pain (joint/muscle aches, night sweats), with symptoms often improving away from home and worsening upon return, indicating an environmental link.
Start with hydrogen peroxide spray to kill surface mildew instantly, then apply vinegar solution for deeper mold penetration. This one-two approach addresses both problems without harsh chemical interactions.