Tiny Black ‘things’ Dropping From Sprigs Of Mint And/or Basil

Question

I put a few sprigs of mint and basil in water on the kitchen window sill to use as I prepare the meals for a day or two. Have found a lot of hard tiny black drops on the window sill. Cleaned them off and found more black drops. I looked at the leaves of the mint and basil and cannot find a worm or bug or anything. What is this?

Answer 1

Clover mites come in through windows and are about the size of pepper. If there are tiny holes in the leaves, it could be flea beetles. They jump when disturbed so you may not see them.

Spider mites are hard to spot but are about the size of pepper.

Here is more:

https://turf.purdue.edu/small-moving-specks-on-the-windowsill/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-are-flea-beetles.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm

Other insects that leave small, black droppings are flies, carpenter ants, and small roaches.