1. Puffball Mushrooms
These are the most likely culprits.
Characteristics:
Perfectly round
White or off-white
Smooth or slightly textured
Range from marble-sized to basketball-sized
Puffballs are a type of fungus that grows underground before emerging. When mature, they release a cloud of brown spores—hence the name “puffball.”
They can look eerie and strange, especially if you’ve never seen them before.
2. Fungus Root Balls (Mycorrhizal Growths)
These look like hard, smooth balls or clusters that form around tree roots. They can be mistaken for eggs.
These are not harmful, but they indicate rich fungal activity in the soil.
3. Insect or Spider Egg Sacs (Rare, but possible)
Some yard pests create white or off-white round sacs underground or beneath mulch.
These are usually:
Softer than fungus
Covered in a thin web or membrane
Found in clusters
If your “white balls” seem squishy or gelatinous, this is more likely.
4. Slime Mold in the Early Stage
Before turning yellow or foamy, slime molds can appear as small, white spherical blobs.
These are harmless but definitely not pretty.
5. Buried Man-Made Items
Sometimes the surprise isn’t biological at all.
Old homes often hide:
Toy balls
Landscaping beads
Polymer moisture beads
Old fertilizer pellets
But these rarely appear in clusters or embedded in the soil like natural growths.
Why the Discovery Can Be So Startling
Finding clusters of round objects in dirt taps into a very natural human instinct:
We’re wired to react cautiously to unknown growths.
White spheres can resemble:
eggs
larvae
fungi
nests
…and each of those sparks an immediate “What is THAT?!” response.
But in most cases, especially when found partially buried, the explanation is natural, harmless, and even beneficial to your yard’s ecosystem.
So, Should You Be Concerned?
In most cases: No.
Fungal growths like puffballs are normal indicators of healthy, organic-rich soil.
However, you should be cautious if:
The balls ooze liquid when squeezed
They appear web-wrapped (possible insect eggs)
They smell foul
They are inside areas where pets dig or play
You are unsure and they appear rapidly
When in doubt, gloves and gentle removal are your safest option.
What to Do If You Find Them
✔️ If they’re mushrooms
You can leave them or remove them with gloves. They’re harmless but can be messy when mature.
✔️ If they’re egg sacs
Dispose of them carefully or contact pest control if you suspect spiders or invasive insects.
✔️ If they’re slime mold
Just rake them away—they are harmless.
✔️ If you’re still unsure
Take a picture and consult a local extension office or gardening group.
Final Thoughts
Finding strange white balls in the yard can be unsettling—especially when they appear out of nowhere. But the good news is that most of the time, the culprit is something natural, harmless, and surprisingly common.
What began as a moment of horror turned into a fascinating discovery about the ecosystem right beneath my feet. Sometimes the mysteries in our yard aren’t as scary as they seem… just a reminder that nature has a few surprises up its sleeve.
ADVERTISEMENT
