--- title: "What to Do About Dog Vomit Slime Mold" description: "Fuligo septica is a yellow mold that resembles scrambled eggs and occasionally grows in mulch. This is what to do if you find it in your yard." date: "2021-10-22" modified: "2026-01-26" authors: - name: "Deirdre Mundorf" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/deirdre-mundorf.md" - name: "Gretchen Heber" job_title: "Contributing Writer & Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/gretchen-heber.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/dog-vomit-slime-mold/" categories: - "Cleaning" - "DIY" - "Interior" - "Lawn & Garden" - "Lawn Care" - "Lawn Care & Gardening" - "Mold & Mildew" tags: - "How To" - "News" --- # What to Do About Dog Vomit Slime Mold ![Bright yellow Dog Vomit Slime Mold growing on a patch of green grass.]() *Photo: Paulina Kłysik via Adobe* On a lovely walk in the woods one day, you come upon a striking yellow mass puddled on mulch or leaf litter. It’s an interesting, low-growing flower, you might think. Upon closer inspection, however, you wonder if a pooch had left the contents of her stomach along the side of the trail. Odds are, it’s neither flower nor regurgitated breakfast. It’s probably dog vomit slime mold, or *Fuligo septica*, also known colloquially as scrambled egg slime. Neither a mold nor a fungus, it is an amoeba-like, single-celled organism. The mass you see is thousands or millions of cells that have merged to form a single unit (a plasmodium) that feeds on decaying or dead organic matter. ## What causes dog vomit slime mold? Dog vomit slime mold occurs when a group of *Fuligo septica* spores settle into a welcoming environment. Carried by the wind, insects, or other animals, they find a home in shady, humid areas with plenty of moist organic material, such as [mulch]() or decaying leaf matter. You might find a growing pile of yellow yuck [lawn fungus]() in your grass if you’ve been a bit generous with irrigation or in areas with poor drainage. Or, the dog barf fungus might be attracted to the fresh, healthy mulch you just put down around your large shade tree. You’ll more typically find scrambled egg slime in spring or fall, because the organism does best in moderate temperatures, though timing can vary based on climate. ## Is dog vomit slime mold harmful? Despite its appearance, dog vomit slime mold—sometimes called dog vomit [fungus]()— is not harmful to people, pets, or other animals. While some folks with specific allergies might see a mild response, in general, this organism is harmless. In fact, it performs a beneficial function, breaking down organic material into the soil and enriching it. Additionally, compounds in dog vomit slime mold have shown potential for use in antibiotics, antimicrobials, and cancer treatment. Dog vomit slime mold might also be helpful in environmental site remediation because of its ability to absorb toxic heavy metals, such as zinc, and convert them into inactive, less harmful forms. ## Fuligo septica Life Cycle ![Aging and grey Dog Vomit Slime Mold grows on a mulched section of a backyard.]() *Photo: Roel Meijer via Adobe* Dog vomit slime mold begins its life in your yard as a microscopic spore blown in by the wind or carried in by an insect or animal. The spore might have been blown or carried about for years or even decades. Once it lands in a conducive environment, however, the spore absorbs water and begins to develop into an amoeba-like organism. Several of these come together to work as a team to gather resources, initially forming an egg-white-like blob that can move around at a very slow pace, searching for food. As food supplies dwindle, dog vomit fungus in mulch and other places turns yellow practically overnight, which is, of course, when humans tend to notice it. Over 24 to 48 hours, it dries out, becoming tan or brown. It eventually breaks open and releases millions of spores. ## How to Clean Up Dog Vomit Slime Mold ![Pale yellow Dog Vomit Slime mold in a grassy area.]() *Photo: Albert Wright via Adobe* Dog vomit slime mold isn’t dangerous, so there's no urgent reason for you to remove it. If you just can't stand the looks of it, however, here are some ways to get rid of it. • **Scoop it away.** If you’re wondering how to get rid of dog vomit slime mold, you can simply use a shovel to scoop the pile of yuck into a plastic bag, which you can then seal and dispose of. • **Rake it into the surrounding area.** Break up and distribute the pile using a bow rake. Exposing it to air will help dry it out more rapidly. • **Avoid overwatering.** Prevent slime mold from taking hold by not [overwatering]() your [lawn]() or other parts of your garden, or regrading areas that retain water. • **Switch mulch.** You might want to try using a different [type of mulch]() that is less welcoming to dog vomit slime mold. A nonorganic mulch, such as pebbles, might be a good choice. ## A Case for Leaving the Mold Be ![Yellow Dog Vomit Slime Mold that has grown into a circular shape on blades of grass.]() *Photo: Nick Kurzenko via Adobe* When you consider that *Fuligo septica* and its cousins have survived and thrived on our planet for about a billion years, and that the organism exists in its vibrant (albeit gloppy) yellow form for just a day or two, maybe you’ll consider just leaving it to do its thing for a few more hours. It’s harmless, it enriches your soil, and it’s a striking example of Mother Nature’s astonishing interconnectedness and resilience. ## FAQ ## Author Deirdre Mundorf is a former teacher turned writer who most enjoys working on topics related to homes, family, and pets. She has been contributing to BobVila.com since 2020.