Mysterious tiny black balls - Ask Extension
We always bring our hibiscus inside to over winter. This year for the first time ever, every morning we find tiny little spheres on the ground surroun...
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Mysterious tiny black balls #947902
Asked October 30, 2026, 7:52 AM EDT
We always bring our hibiscus inside to over winter. This year for the first time ever, every morning we find tiny little spheres on the ground surrounding the plant. I have no idea what they are or where they come from. I am not seeing any insects or critters. Any ideas would be appreciated
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
It's hard to see them clearly, but they look like frass (insect poop), usually from a caterpillar, although a grasshopper might be possible. You can check the undersides of the remaining leaves to see if you see anything, but if not, there's not much you can do since you won't be able to remove the insect if you can't locate it. Fortunately, it won't do significant damage to the plant, and will soon end or finish its development with the change in conditions and limited amount of food.
Miri
Miri
