A concerned mother recently turned to Facebook for help after discovering mysterious black specks around her home. She posted photos of the odd black marks scattered across her skirting board, wallpaper, and floor on a Mrs. Hinch fan group, seeking answers and advice from others who might have encountered a similar issue.

“Does anyone have any idea what this is?” she asked in her post. “These marks just appeared over the past week on the skirting board in my dining room. I’ve also noticed bits on the wallpaper and even on the floor, which I mop every single day! It’s not raised or bumpy. It looks like some sort of paint splatter, but it’s definitely not paint.”

Within minutes, responses flooded in, and one common theory quickly emerged: spider droppings.

Fans of the cleaning influencer Mrs. Hinch were confident in their identification. “It happens a lot this time of year. Spiders are pooing everywhere,” one user commented. “Dettox spray works well for cleaning it off.” Another added, “It’s spider poo. I get the same thing on my window sills after they’ve eaten flies.” Several others chimed in with similar thoughts, with some debating whether the marks could also be from flies. Still, one user declared with certainty, “It’s definitely spider poo, no question about it!”

But what do the experts say about this issue? Is spider poop a real thing, and could it really be causing these unsightly marks?

According to professional sources, spiders do leave droppings, but they’re not solid as some people might imagine. Instead, spider excrement is thick and liquid in texture, often resembling dark ink stains or small drips on walls, floors, and other surfaces. The consistency and appearance can sometimes lead to confusion, especially for those who have never encountered spider droppings before.

The exact look of spider waste can vary depending on the spider species, making it trickier to identify for someone without specialized knowledge. However, spider droppings generally appear as small, irregular spots about the size of a pinhead. They are most often dark in color, ranging from black to shades of brown, gray, or even white. Unlike solid feces from other pests, spider droppings have a distinctive liquid quality and can often be found in places where spiders are most active.

Spiders tend to favor dark, quiet areas where they can spin their webs undisturbed. As a result, spider droppings are typically found under webs, in room corners, on ceilings, or along skirting boards where cobwebs accumulate. Over time, these tiny stains can build up, creating an unsightly mess that is difficult to clean, especially if left unnoticed for long periods.

One key question people often ask is whether spider droppings pose any health risks. While the idea of spider poop may sound unpleasant, experts reassure homeowners that spider droppings are generally not dangerous to handle. Research suggests that spiders don’t transmit diseases to humans through their waste, even if they’ve consumed infected insects. However, it is still important to handle the situation with care.

As with any kind of waste, it’s always a good idea to treat spider droppings as potentially harmful. Experts recommend wearing gloves when cleaning the stains and thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water afterward. Fresh droppings are relatively easy to clean with a cloth or sponge and a general household cleaner. However, dried droppings can be more stubborn, often requiring extra effort to remove. In some cases, older stains may leave behind faint yellow discoloration on walls or surfaces, particularly if they’re porous.

The tricky part about dealing with spider droppings is that simply cleaning them up doesn’t address the root of the problem. If spiders are leaving droppings around your home, it means they’re living there, too. To prevent the droppings from coming back, you need to tackle the spiders themselves.

The first step in addressing a spider issue is to maintain a clean and clutter-free environment. Spiders are attracted to undisturbed spaces, such as corners, basements, or unused areas of a home where they can build webs and hunt for insects. Regularly dusting, vacuuming, and removing any cobwebs you find will discourage spiders from sticking around.

It’s also a good idea to inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps in windows, doors, or vents, and seal them to keep spiders from getting inside. If spiders continue to be a problem, there are many products on the market that can help. Natural remedies, such as spraying diluted white vinegar or essential oils like peppermint, are said to repel spiders without the need for harsh chemicals. However, for more severe infestations, calling a professional pest control service is often the most effective solution. Pest control experts have the tools and knowledge to safely eliminate spiders while helping to ensure they don’t return.

In summary, if you’re noticing strange black marks in your home, spider droppings could very well be the culprit. While spider waste isn’t harmful to humans, it’s still important to clean it promptly and take steps to address the underlying spider problem. Regular cleaning, removing webs, and sealing entry points can go a long way in keeping your home free from both spiders and their droppings. And for those particularly persistent spider issues, professional pest control remains a trusted option.

As for the mother who first raised the question on Facebook, she likely got more advice than she bargained for. From Dettox spray recommendations to debates over whether it could be fly droppings instead, one thing became clear: she wasn’t alone. For many homeowners, spider droppings are an unpleasant but all-too-common occurrence, especially during certain times of the year. While the thought of spiders lurking in the corners of your home might not be pleasant, taking proactive measures to clean up and prevent infestations will help ensure those pesky black marks don’t return.