There are no easily
recognizable differences between poisonous and nonpoisonous mushrooms, and as
Americans become more adventurous in their mushroom collection and consumption,
poisonings are likely to increase. Most mushrooms that cause human poisoning
cannot be made nontoxic by cooking, canning, freezing or any other means of
processing.
Dangerous species are found in habitats ranging from urban
lawns to deep woods. Poisonous mushrooms have no antidote and can cause severe
illness or death. Only a qualified mushroom expert should identify the
mushrooms growing in your community, and you must take appropriate precautions
to prevent children and pets from eating or licking them.
Mushroom spores are everywhere all the time. While there is
no simple way to get rid of mushrooms in your yard, there are things you can do
to minimize fungal growth.
·
Dig up mushrooms as soon as they
appear, and throw them in the trash. If you pick them before they mature, they
will be unable to send out spores. Never put them on a compost pile; it is an
ideal environment for their growth. To avoid spreading their spores, don’t
kick, stomp or mow mushrooms.
·
Mushrooms need water and organic
matter to grow, so water grass and plants only when necessary and keep your
lawn cut and free of debris. Rake up leaves and grass clippings, and scoop up
animal droppings.
·
Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn,
as fertilizer encourages the growth of mushrooms.
·
Use lawn fungicides. While these
won’t eliminate the problem, they may help control it if other measures are not
successful.
If a pet or child eats a mushroom from your lawn, seek
immediate medical care. Also pick as many of the mushrooms as you can, and take
them with you to be identified.
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