Finding small black spots around your kitchen or dining area can be alarming, especially if they keep reappearing after you clean. While many people immediately assume they’re insect droppings, one possible explanation is spider droppings. Unlike the solid pellets left by rodents or cockroaches, spider droppings are usually thick, liquid-like stains that resemble tiny splashes of dark ink or paint. They often appear on baseboards, walls, ceilings, window frames, or beneath areas where spiders build webs.

Spider droppings are typically no larger than a pinhead and may be black, brown, gray, or even white, depending on the spider and its diet. Because spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed areas, you’ll often find these marks in corners, behind furniture, near ceilings, or under cobwebs. Although there is no strong evidence that spider droppings transmit disease to people, it’s still best to avoid direct contact. Wear gloves or use a paper towel when cleaning them, then wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Fresh stains usually wipe away easily, while older ones may require a gentle household cleaner to remove any discoloration.

If the stains keep returning, cleaning alone won’t solve the problem. The real solution is to reduce the number of spiders inside your home. Regularly remove cobwebs, vacuum corners and hidden spaces, seal cracks and gaps where spiders can enter, and reduce clutter that provides hiding places. If you continue noticing large numbers of spiders or recurring droppings despite these steps, it may be worth contacting a licensed pest control professional to inspect your home and address the underlying issue.