If you’ve recently noticed strange black dots showing up in your kitchen or around your home, you’re not alone. A concerned mother recently shared her experience in a popular Facebook group dedicated to cleaning and home tips, asking for advice after discovering mysterious black specks scattered throughout her house. In her post, she explained that the black spots had suddenly appeared over the past week. She found them on her skirting boards, wallpaper, and even on the floor, which she mopped every single day.
Describing the marks, she mentioned that they weren’t raised or bumpy, and at first glance, they looked a little like paint splatter. But she was quick to clarify that she hadn’t painted anything and was sure the spots weren’t from paint. Seeking answers, she turned to the group in hopes someone had dealt with the same problem and could help identify what was going on. Almost immediately, the post was flooded with comments, and a clear consensus quickly emerged among the group members: the black specks were most likely spider droppings.
Fans of the well-known cleaning influencer Mrs. Hinch were quick to offer their insights, with many people chiming in to say they had experienced something similar. One member explained, “It happens a lot this time of year. Spiders are pooing everywhere.” Another person added, “Dettox spray works well for cleaning it off.” Others shared personal anecdotes about finding the same black dots, particularly on windowsills, after spiders had fed on flies. While there was some debate in the comments, with a few people suggesting the marks could be from flies rather than spiders, one confident voice declared, “It’s definitely spider poo, no question about it!” But is that really what these mysterious marks are? And should you be concerned if you find them in your home?
Experts agree that spiders do, in fact, leave droppings. Unlike what some people might imagine, spider waste isn’t solid like that of other household pests. Instead, spider droppings have a thick, liquid consistency and often resemble small black ink stains or dark drips on walls, floors, and other surfaces. The look of spider excrement can vary depending on the species, but generally, it appears as tiny, irregular spots that are about the size of a pinhead. While most are black, they can sometimes be brown, gray, or even white. Because of their liquid nature, these droppings often create a splatter-like effect, which is what causes many homeowners to mistake them for paint splashes or ink blots.
Spiders tend to leave these droppings in areas where they are most active, which often means you’ll find them underneath webs, along baseboards, in the corners of rooms, on ceilings, or on windowsills. Over time, the tiny stains can accumulate, creating a noticeable mess that becomes harder to clean if left unchecked. Understandably, many homeowners wonder if spider droppings pose any health risks. While the idea of spider poop might make your skin crawl, experts say there’s no need to panic. Spider droppings aren’t known to be harmful to humans and don’t spread diseases, even if the spider has consumed infected insects. That said, it’s still wise to take basic precautions when cleaning up any kind of waste.
To clean spider droppings safely, it’s best to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Fresh droppings can typically be wiped away with a cloth or sponge and a standard household cleaner. However, if the droppings have dried, they may be more stubborn and require a bit of elbow grease. In some cases, older stains can leave behind faint yellow discoloration on walls or other porous surfaces.
Of course, cleaning up the mess is only part of the solution. If you’re finding spider droppings in your home, it’s a clear sign that spiders are living there too. To prevent future messes, you’ll need to address the spider problem itself. The first step is maintaining a clean and clutter-free home, especially in areas where spiders like to hang out, such as dark corners, basements, attics, and storage areas. Regular vacuuming and dusting, along with removing any cobwebs you find, can go a long way in making your home less inviting to spiders. Sealing up potential entry points, like gaps around windows, doors, and vents, can also help keep them out.
If spiders persist, you might consider using natural repellents. Spraying diluted white vinegar or essential oils like peppermint around common entry points and spider-prone areas can help deter them. There are also commercial products designed specifically to repel or eliminate spiders. In cases of serious infestation, hiring a professional pest control service is often the best solution. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to deal with spider infestations effectively and can help prevent them from returning.
In the case of the mother who originally posted about the black dots on Facebook, she received plenty of helpful advice and reassurance from others who had been in the same situation. From Dettox spray recommendations to discussions about whether the spots were spider or fly droppings, it became clear she wasn’t alone. Many homeowners deal with spider droppings, especially during certain seasons when spider activity increases. While finding these mysterious black marks can be unsettling, understanding what they are and knowing how to address them can make a big difference. By keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and taking proactive measures to deter spiders, you can reduce the chances of seeing those pesky black dots again. And if the problem persists, professional help is always an option to ensure your home stays clean and spider-free.
