A mother recently sought advice on Facebook after discovering a series of black droppings scattered throughout her home, prompting her confusion. She posted on a Mrs. Hinch fan page, sharing images that depicted unusual black specks on her skirting board and wall.
“Does anyone know what this could be?” she inquired. “It just appeared in the last week or so on the skirting board in my dining room, along with some on the wallpaper and floor, which I clean daily! It’s not bumpy; it resembles paint splatter, but it isn’t.” Fellow members of the Mrs. Hinch community quickly responded, with many asserting that the markings were likely spider droppings. One user commented: “This happens frequently at this time of year; spiders are leaving droppings everywhere. Dettox spray works well for cleaning it up.” Another added: “It’s spider droppings after they’ve consumed flies. I find it on my window sill.” Some suggested it could be “fly droppings,” while one user firmly stated it was “definitely spider droppings.”
What do experts say about this matter? According to various pest control sources, spiders generally do not produce solid droppings; their excrement is thick and liquid, resembling dark ink stains. These stains often appear on walls and surfaces. Spider feces are not solid but manifest as dark marks or drips. The appearance of these droppings can vary among different spider species, making it difficult for those unfamiliar with them to identify.
Typically, spider droppings accumulate in specific areas beneath their webs, often found in corners where cobwebs are present. As spiders prefer dark or undisturbed environments for shelter, their droppings may unexpectedly appear in various locations. The size of spider droppings is roughly that of a pinhead, and they typically exhibit a uniform color, with variations in shades of white, black, gray, or brown.It is important to understand that removing spider droppings does not eliminate the spiders that produced them. To prevent the recurrence of these droppings, it is necessary to take measures against the spiders themselves. A good initial step is to maintain a clean environment and eliminate any spider webs you find. Additionally, there are various products designed to assist with infestations, and professional pest control services are well-prepared to address such issues.
Regarding the handling of spider feces, while there is no conclusive evidence that it transmits pathogens, it is prudent to approach it with care and treat it as if it could be harmful. Research suggests that pathogens ingested by spiders generally do not transfer through their droppings.
Nonetheless, it is advisable to exercise caution and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with spider feces. Fresh droppings are easier to clean, whereas dried droppings may require more effort to remove and can leave yellow stains.
