Something strange is happening in my bedroom and I can’t work out why!

[Wendyer]

I’m sorry, it’s not very exciting but I just don’t understand it.

I have a bedside cabinet, and about 6 weeks ago I noticed that there was some gritty rubbley type stuff on it. I wiped it away but later on there was more there. I thought I mustn’t have cleared it up properly so did it again, more thoroughly.

And basically, ever since, there’s nearly always this gritty stuff there! I can’t imagine where it’s coming from - there’s nothing above the cabinet except the ceiling and a hanging light but they don’t seem to be the source. I never hear it dropping onto the cabinet, or see it dropping, it’s just there!

Where is it coming from?!

Historic buildings person here.

Woodworm are generally active in the summer months, and the frass they produce is very fine, and clearly identifiable as timber debris, like fine sawdust. Not gritty. You would also be able to see the holes they were making as they tunnel. Unless the frass was falling from a piece of furniture above, there’s no way it would be appearing on the flat and undamaged top of the furniture affected.

Something falling from the ceiling does seem much more likely. Possibly rodents (though if they are causing that much disturbance, they would be clearly audible at night), or another insect infestation which is damaging the structure above. If the ceiling light is directly above the bedside table, and not above the floor, that could be the case. If the ceiling light is above the bed, and nothing’s falling on the bed, then it seems unlikely.

Unscrewing the ceiling rose might reveal all, but bear in mind that there will probably be some debris there anyway, possibly left over from construction, possibly from previous activity.

A sticky trap might help to clarify if none of these things help.

I still think it might be coming from inside the bedside lamp (not the base but the bit near the bulb, which can break down in heat).

1. According to Screwfix, the plastic circular part of a pendant light is also called a ceiling Rose, not just the plaster disk on the ceiling. From the descriptions of the light fittings I thought it was called a skirt but sold separately, it was referred to as a rose. 🤷🏻‍♀️

2. The grit looks like crumbled mortar.

3. yes, I'm only really placemarking.

Oh, and my guess is 32 pickled eggs/onions per jar.

Omg, I never thought this would incite so much interest! Thank you very much for all further posts, and for suggestions/dc compliments! There is more grit on the paper, I’ll post a pic in a min.

Investigations will have to wait until later though as my friend has fallen down the stairs and I need to go and help her. I don’t have any American tan tights either, only black woolly ones. Or any safety glasses. Will sunglasses and a face mask do?!

Thinking the ‘friend fallen downstairs’ may be a desperate ruse to divert your investigations - somehow.
Was going to suggest cutting eue holes out of thick black tights but that would defeat purpose.
Good luck op.
Stay vigilant.

More grit, and the Christmas tree taking a call in the garden centre :)

Grit on paper is quite centralised isn't it? Like it's been poured from one point. What's directly about the centre of the grit circle?

I don't want to freak you out but when I look at the latest photo...I see the grit as arranged in a cross 😱

Seriously though it looks like straight lines to me. I mean the scatter is very geometrical

Also, do you think it might be the Christmas tree? Do you know what that call was about? Might have been arranging a grit delivery!

I think you need to unscrew your light fixture and/or review what's in your loft.

Have you got a cat, that has a litter tray? It could be tracking from that.

How old is your house? Does it have lathe and plaster ceilings? They are far grittier than modern ceilings.

Or OP get one of those cheap security camera/baby monitors off Amazon and set it up overnight so you've got footage.

The cross

I get this in my understairs cupboard. There are a few cracks in the plaster and I guess when people walk up the stairs a little movement in the cracks causes plaster / brick dust / grit to fall out. Any cracks in your ceiling?

Your DD is an absolute legend OP!

That's a very fancy garden centre!

@JollyJoon

The cross

Yeah, but it could also be a dragon fly attacking an evil, deformed gingerbread man.

Maybe taste it
(Joking)

I absolutely love the pickled onion photo 🤣🤣🤣

@Wendyer

Omg, I never thought this would incite so much interest! Thank you very much for all further posts, and for suggestions/dc compliments! There is more grit on the paper, I’ll post a pic in a min.

Investigations will have to wait until later though as my friend has fallen down the stairs and I need to go and help her. I don’t have any American tan tights either, only black woolly ones. Or any safety glasses. Will sunglasses and a face mask do?!

I like the fact that you took the time to update us while your friend lies in a crumpled heap at the bottom of the stairs. Priorities OP, well done

You know it does look a bit like frankincense, maybe it is a Christmas miracle. Or a wise man in the loft.

@Hoppinggreen

If it’s a lathe and plaster ceiling check for cracks. If there are any, it could be a sign it’s about to collapse.