How to Get Rid of Octopus Stink Horns

Octopus stink horns (Clathrus columnatus) are mushrooms that often pop up in wood mulch during very damp conditions. They're orange-yellow with slender tentacle-like protrusions and are covered in an unpleasantly scented brown slime. They aren't harmful to humans, animals or the plants they grow next to, but the aroma they add to the garden is offensive enough to be considered a nuisance. There's no surefire way to eliminate the fungi for good, but there are ways to get rid of the present offenders and make the growing site less accommodating to remaining spores.

Protective gloves
Spade
Plastic bag
Perennial ground cover plants

Instructions

- 1
  Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the slime covering the octopus stink horns.
- 2
  Use a spade to dig out all visible parts of the fungi. Place the mushrooms into a plastic bag and dispose of them in a trash receptacle to prevent the spores from spreading to other parts of the landscape.
- 3
  Examine the soil in affected areas of the garden once every two to three days because if caught early, octopus stink horns can be eliminated before they begin to release their pungent odor. The fungi resemble eggs as they emerge from the soil and may be kicked over with your shoe or dug out of the ground at this time.
- 4
  Remove wood mulch from around plants and dispose of it in the trash if octopus stink horns continue to be a nuisance.
- 5
  Replant the previously mulched area with a compact perennial ground cover, such as creeping thyme or mat penstemon.

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