Spiders can lay their eggs in the soil, making them virtually impossible to see or deal with until the eggs hatch. The next thing you know, you are overrun with spiders crawling all over your house.
Fortunately, with due diligence, it is possible to control spiders and their eggs with careful monitoring and supplies of the right types of products. Below, you can find details on how you can control these pests.
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Spider eggs in plant soil
Spider eggs in plant soil can be combated effectively by drying out the soil, especially if the plant can tolerate less water. For moisture-loving plants, apply a crystalline pesticide with imidacloprid. Alternatively, utilize Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which targets spiders but is safe for humans and plants.
Clear Out Spider Eggs in Plant Soil
Change How Often and How Much you Water your Plants
Spiders lay eggs in soil because the soil is moist, inactive, and climatically stable. This protects the drying out of the spiders’ eggs.
If you’re growing the kind of plants that can stand it, allow the soil to dry completely before watering it again.
Spiders’ eggs are sensitive to hydration, and they will die in dry soil within a few days, but the water-starvation treatment is not suitable for water-loving plants or plants that need sodden soil.
However, more resilient plants will be able to withstand a full drying-out period without any mischief.
The good thing about the water-starvation technique is that it also controls and disrupts the life cycles of other pests, such as springtails and millipedes, thereby removing many of the spiders’ potential food sources.
Use dry, crystalline pesticides on the soil
A few insect poisons can be used on houseplant soil, specifically targeting the eggs of pests like spiders.
You can apply granulated, crystallized insecticides, such as those that contain imidacloprid, on the infested soil. Then, to activate the poison, pour water on the crystals.
To get rid of spider eggs in the soil, add a systemic pesticide to your plant’s soil. This could be one that contains imidacloprid, which will also be absorbed through the roots of the plant.
This means you have a two-shot control system because not only do you deal with spider eggs in the soil, but you might also affect any spiders on the plant.
(Spiders don’t normally remain on the plant, but imidacloprid will help keep their numbers down if they do. Imidacloprid will also control the growth of any insects that are attracted to the leaves and blossoms of the holder plants.)
Tip: Imidacloprid is an effective way to control spider infestations, but be sure to follow all safety precautions and package instructions before applying.
Spray Egg-infested Soil with Spider Pesticides
You can use insect poison to kill the bugs and dispose of their eggs. Web Out is an insect spray that can be applied directly to the cobweb or egg sac.
It will quickly separate the materials and kill the bugs.
Before using the insect poison, first shake it.
Then, just spray and shoot wherever you find bugs or where you have found cobwebs or eggs.
In a matter of minutes, all creepy crawlies, their egg sacs, and their eggs that come in contact with the item will disappear.
Then, use the Cobb Webb Duster or any other suitable duster to clean up any remaining creepy crawlies and egg sacs that have to be disposed of.
Use Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) Bacteria
You can find BTI in the soil as it naturally lives there.
BTI attacks spider hatchlings rather than spider eggs, but of course, as the hatchlings don’t survive to adulthood, the infestation is on a permanent downward spiral and will eventually peter out.
Bti preparations are introduced into the plant soil as a wet treatment.
Following instructions on the preparations, first, dilute it with water to avoid overwhelming the soil and causing other issues, then douse the soil with the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spider Eggs in Plant Soil
Can I use bug spray to kill spider eggs in soil?
Bug spray kills many species of spiders and their eggs, but the problem is, both arachnids and eggs need to be in direct contact with the spray. There is no realistic way to do this with spider eggs in plant soil, except to use so much spray that it is likely to be a health risk to both plants and humans alike.
Can I use bleach to kill the spider eggs found in the soil?
Again, not really, and for exactly the same reason as bug spray is an ineffective weapon against spider eggs in the soil. The problem is that the bleach needs to be in contact with the spider eggs. You can’t prevent the bleach from getting into contact with the plant, so you end up with a dead plant.
How many eggs do spiders normally lay?
A reasonable answer for many species is “around a thousand eggs”. Some hardier spider species lay just ten eggs in each sac because their hatchlings are more robust and more likely to survive into adulthood.
Afterword: Spider Eggs in Plant Soil
While they are not considered harmful, remove spider eggs as soon as possible after you’ve spotted them.
Spider eggs hatch within a couple of weeks, certainly no longer than three, so if they are not removed quickly, a serious infestation of spiders will occur.
Pesticides and/or a vacuum cleaner are the two best methods to get rid of spider eggs, but of course, vacuuming plant soil is out of the question.
Instead, natural spider-egg enemies, like lizards and certain bacteria, can be introduced to prevent spider eggs from growing in plant soil.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.