Can a Spider Poop? A mother recently turned to Facebook for help after discovering a set of black droppings scattered throughout her home. Posting on a Mrs. Hinch fan page, she shared a series of photos showing peculiar black specks on her skirting board and wall.
“What is this?” She asked, sharing the images. “This just appeared in the last week or so on my dining room skirting board, with bits also on the wallpaper and floor, which I mop every day! It’s not bumpy; it looks like some sort of paint splatter but it isn’t.”
Spider Droppings on the Skirting Board
Many followers quickly responded with a common answer: Spider Droppings.
The members of the Mrs. Hinch fan page were quick to offer their advice, with many confidently stating that the markings were indeed spider droppings. One person commented: “It happens a lot at this time of year, spiders pooping everywhere. Dettol spray works well for this.” Another said: “It’s spider poo after they’ve eaten flies. I get it on my window sill.” Some users even suggested it could be “fly poo,” while others were certain it was “definitely spider poo.”
What Do Experts Say About Spider Droppings?
According to various pest control experts, spiders generally do not produce solid droppings. Instead, their excrement is thick and liquid, resembling dark ink stains. These markings often appear on walls or other surfaces in the home.
Spider feces do not form solid pellets but instead leave behind dark stains or drips. The appearance of the droppings can vary between spider species, making it hard for the untrained eye to identify them.
Typically, spider droppings accumulate beneath their webs, often in corners where cobwebs are present. Since spiders tend to hide in dark, undisturbed areas, their droppings can sometimes appear unexpectedly in various spots. The size of spider droppings is usually about the size of a pinhead, and they are generally a monotone color, which can be black, gray, brown, or even white.
Is Spider Poop Dangerous to Handle?
While there is no evidence to suggest that spider feces carry harmful pathogens, it is still important to handle it with caution. Studies show that pathogens ingested by spiders are typically not transmitted through their droppings.
Even though spider droppings aren’t known to pose serious health risks, it’s recommended to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling them. Fresh spider droppings are easier to clean, while dried ones can be more stubborn and may leave behind yellow stains.
It’s crucial to note that cleaning up spider droppings doesn’t solve the underlying issue of the spiders. To prevent the droppings from reappearing, addressing the spider presence in your home is necessary. Keeping your home tidy and regularly removing spider webs can help. There are also products available to help with infestations, and professional pest control services can assist if needed.