A mother recently turned to Facebook for advice after discovering small black specks scattered throughout her home. Unsure of the cause, she posted on a Mrs. Hinch fan page, sharing photos that showed the unusual markings along her skirting board and wall. She explained that the specks had only begun appearing during the past week and were also showing up on the wallpaper and floor, despite cleaning the area daily.
“Anyone have any idea what this is?” she asked. “It’s not raised or textured, and although it looks like tiny paint splatters, it definitely isn’t.” Her photos caught the attention of many group members, who quickly offered their thoughts. The most common suggestion was that the specks were droppings left by spiders. Some commenters mentioned they experience similar markings during certain times of the year, often noticing them on windowsills, walls, or around areas where spiders may hunt or build webs. A few suggested it could also be from flies, but most agreed spider droppings were the likely explanation.
Experts who offer advice on household pests note that spider droppings are not solid pellets but instead appear as small, dark, ink-like stains. Their appearance can vary depending on the species, which makes identification difficult without experience. These markings may build up beneath webs or in corners where spiders stay for long periods. Because spiders often choose quiet, undisturbed areas, these small stains can show up unexpectedly in different parts of the home. The specks are typically about the size of a pinhead and can appear in black, brown, gray, or white tones.
As for safety, available information suggests that spider droppings are not known to transmit diseases. Even so, it is always a good idea to handle any household residue carefully. Washing hands with soap and water after cleaning is recommended. Fresh droppings can usually be wiped away easily, while older ones may need more effort and sometimes leave faint stains. It is also important to note that cleaning the droppings alone will not remove the spiders responsible for them. Regularly decluttering, dusting, and removing webs can help reduce spider activity, and households with frequent issues may consider using suitable pest-control products or seeking assistance from a professional service.