When a mom recently spotted small black specks appearing across her walls, skirting boards, and flooring, she turned to Facebook for help. Posting photos in a Mrs. Hinch fan group, she explained that the marks kept returning despite daily cleaning. They weren’t raised, sticky, or textured — just flat, dark dots that looked like miniature paint splatters. Confused and frustrated, she asked the community: “What is this?”
Within minutes, group members weighed in, and one explanation quickly stood out — spider droppings. Several commenters shared that they see similar specks during certain seasons, especially near corners, windowsills, or areas where spiders hunt. While a few suggested flies or other insects could be responsible, the majority believed spiders were the most likely source.
According to pest experts, spider droppings don’t look like pellets. Instead, they appear as tiny, ink-like stains about the size of a pinhead. Their color can range from black or dark brown to gray or off-white, depending on the spider’s diet. Because spiders often settle in quiet, undisturbed spaces, these dots may suddenly show up in unexpected places — especially beneath webs or along baseboards.
The good news: spider droppings aren’t known to pose health risks. Still, it’s smart to clean them carefully and wash hands afterward. Fresh spots usually wipe away easily, though older ones may require more effort and could leave faint discoloration. However, removing the stains alone won’t stop them from returning. Reducing clutter, dusting regularly, clearing webs, sealing entry points, or — in persistent cases — consulting pest control professionals can help minimize spider activity. So while the mystery specks may look alarming, the cause is often far more ordinary than homeowners expect — and with a bit of cleaning and prevention, the problem is manageable.