Artillery Fungus (Spores): What They Are and How They Affect Your Vehicle

If you've ever noticed tiny, stubborn black dots on your car's paint, trim, or windows that won’t come off with a regular wash, you might be dealing with something more serious than just dirt. Say hello to one of your vehicle’s worst natural enemies: Artillery Fungus.

At Shining Rides Detailing, we’ve seen what these pesky spores can do and more importantly, we know how to remove them safely.  So let’s break down what you need to know.

🚨 What Is Artillery Fungus?

Artillery fungus (Sphaerobolus stellatus) is a type of wood-decay fungus found commonly in mulch, especially bark mulch made from hardwood.  It's harmless to people, but it’s a menace to cars, siding, and just about anything within its firing range.

The name “artillery” isn’t just for fun.  These tiny fungi launch their spore masses up to 20 feet, aiming for light-colored surfaces (like your white or silver vehicle). Once they hit, they stick and hard.

🧪 What Do the Spores Look Like?

The spores show up as small, black specks, often no larger than the tip of a pen.  They’re:

Extremely sticky (thanks to a natural adhesive they secrete)

Hard to remove without damaging your paint

Often mistaken for tar, sap, or bug residue

🚗 How Do Artillery Spores Affect Your Vehicle?

If left untreated, artillery fungus spores can:

Etch into your clear coat, leading to permanent paint damage

Spread across the surface, especially if you try to wipe them off while dry

Reduce resale value by giving your car a neglected look

🧼 Can You Remove Them?

Yes—but carefully.  Here's what we recommend:

✅ DO:

Act quickly: The longer the spores sit, the harder they are to remove.

Use specialized products: Clay bars, bug/tar removers, and certain citrus-based cleaners can work, depending on severity.

Let a professional handle it: If you're unsure or if the spores are baked in by the sun, professional detailing is the safest route.

❌ DON’T:

Scrub aggressively with abrasive pads or brushes

Use harsh chemicals like paint thinner or acetone

Attempt removal without washing the surface first

At Shining Rides Detailing, we use a multi-step process that safely lifts the spores without harming your paint.  In many cases, we follow up with polishing or paint correction if there's any residual etching.

🌱 How to Prevent Artillery Fungus Spores

Avoid mulch near your driveway, especially hardwood bark mulch

Choose stone or rubber mulch alternatives

Park indoors or use a car cover if spores are common in your area

Wash your car regularly, especially during spring and summer months when the fungus is most active

🏁 Final Thoughts

Artillery fungus might be tiny, but it can do major damage over time if left untreated.  The good news? With early detection, proper care, and detailing expertise, you can remove the spores and protect your ride from future invasions.

Have you spotted strange black dots on your vehicle? Don’t guess let us take a look.

👉 Book a detailing appointment today with Shining Rides Detailing and keep your ride shining, no matter what nature throws at it.