Are these bugs going to kill my puffball?

Usually no, as most insects found on them are just feeding on the decaying wood. Only large infestations that damage the fruit body are a concern.

Should I use pesticides?

Avoid pesticides entirely as they will kill the fungus and contaminate the wood. Stick to physical removal or adjusting the moisture levels.

Pear-shaped puffball: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the surface of the wood for tiny flying insects.
Look for movement on the skin of the puffball.
Check if the wood is overly soggy or waterlogged.

Likely causes

Fungus Gnats
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny black flies hovering around the wood or the puffball itself. They are attracted to the moisture in the decaying log.
What to do: Allow the surface of the wood to dry out slightly between mistings. Use yellow sticky traps near the base of the log to catch the adults.
Springtails
Possible
How to tell: These are tiny white specks that jump when you disturb the wood. They feed on the decaying matter and are generally harmless to the fungus.
What to do: Do nothing as they are beneficial decomposers. If they bother you, reduce the humidity slightly by increasing airflow around the log.

Find out what's wrong with your pear-shaped puffball

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the insects are actively eating the puffball and causing it to collapse or turn mushy. It is normal to see small insects in a natural forest setting where these grow.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the environment clean by removing any old, rotting debris that is not part of the main log. Ensure good air circulation around your growing area.

Keep your pear-shaped puffball healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Are these bugs going to kill my puffball?: Usually no, as most insects found on them are just feeding on the decaying wood. Only large infestations that damage the fruit body are a concern.
Should I use pesticides?: Avoid pesticides entirely as they will kill the fungus and contaminate the wood. Stick to physical removal or adjusting the moisture levels.

Why are there bugs on my pear-shaped puffball?