You’ve spotted something lurking in the corner of the room. It’s brown and it’s shaped like a misplaced piece of pasta from last nights dinner, what could it be?
We can find fungus everywhere in the UK, from outdoors in the woods, on our pizzas (mushrooms) and even in our homes. To the untrained eye, the notorious dreaded dry rot may spring to mind, but any surveyor worth their salt will be able to tell you that such characteristics belong to Peziza Domiciliana (Carpet Cup).
It can be located in a wide range of habitats including; carpets, living areas, behind refrigerators, under flooring and even cars.
Although not as sinister as dry rot, the fungus is still not a delight to find growing in your home. The worst-case scenario for homeowners is finding dry rot in their home, this could potentially result in an intrusive inspection of the property, including replacing timbers and the implementation of a fungicidal spray. Which in effect, could cost you time and money if not responded to promptly.
The good news is, if you’ve found elf cup fungus, don’t panic the repercussions will be far less severe.
How Can I Spot Carpet Cup?
Although this fungus prefers alkaline conditions it can pretty much grow everywhere where there are constant moisture, nutrients and a porous surface, so be sure will most likely find it in severely damp areas such as your bathroom or basement.
- When young, the fungi will appear circular in outline and cup-shaped, sometimes with a tiny stem.
- Brown, yellow or even whitish.
- Odour not distinctive.
Why do I have Carpet Cup?
Fungi growing within your home can be the consequences of underlining issues such as damp.Elf cup fungus does not attack the buildings substrate and is only present where materials are extremely damp. In some cases, older buildings are more susceptible to these conditions which encourage fungus and mould growth.
How do I treat Carpet Cup?
As with dry rot and wet rot, your number one priority is to stop the source of moisture, however, as it is plaster fungus (non-wood rotting type) there is no need to implement a fungicidal spray. This is completely optional and should only be considered if damp timbers are left in situ.
With any fungus growth, it’s always wise to speak to a professional who can correctly identify and recommend methods of removal. This will ensure the problem area is eradicated and eliminated to prevent further regrowth.
Do you have any questions about rot in your home?
If you are looking to the work out the potential cost implications for your fungal decay issue, give one of our customer service team a call on 0800 288 8660 or simply request a survey.
Originally published 26th January 2017, updated 18th July 2019.
2 thoughts on “Peziza Domiciliana (Carpet Cup) | What You Need To Know”
Hi I believe I have spotted Peziza Domiciliana in the corner of my bathroom where the shower is please can you tell me how and what to do to get rid of it thanks
In the first instance you will need a plumber to investigate the shower for a leak and then encourage rapid drying of the area.The fungi will die off once the area is dry.