To be more precise, they resemble male DOG body parts. You've been growing a nice batch of one of the common stinkhorn fungi, Mutinus caninus. I call it the 'dog thingie' fungus. But then I've never been exactly what one could call lady-like, lol.

Stinkhorns (there are many different kinds) are all important decomposers. These organisms are busily breaking down that new mulch for you, benefiting your plants and soil. Stinkhorns can be considered beneficial.

No, you cannot spray anything to kill them. But keep them removed as they appear so that you won't be offended.

rhizo, I'm still laughing as I type this. Thanks for the info. To think they are actually "good" for the soil is amazing to me. Should I leave them alone until they finally "shrink" and fade away? I dug up several golf-sized balls of fungi that were growing underneath them.

If you periodically disturb your mulch you can keep these fungi from growing those seed stalks. Any good cultivator or even a garden rake (not a leaf rake) will work. There is no need to put on gloves, yank they out, and throw them away.

kimmsr, thanks for your input. Someone, possibly here, when I first posted, said that if I used a garden tool, like a rake or shovel, to be sure and wash it down after using it to remove the fungi. That's why I wear the gloves. It's no big deal - I have a big box of those disposable latex ones left over from the hurricane that I use.