Identifying and Removing Spider Eggs New Jersey

Unless you are an arachnid enthusiast, spider eggs in a home or business are a hair-raising find. One of the less-fun facts about spiders is that just one egg sac can spawn hundreds of spiderlings- which is an unnerving thought, arachnophobia or not. Identify and remove egg sacs before this happens with the following guide to spider eggs.

Identifying Spider Eggs and Egg Sacs in New Jersey Home

Most spiders lay their eggs in protective sacs rather than depositing them individually. These egg sacs vary in appearance depending on the spider species but share some common traits. Typically, they are light in color- most often white, cream, or yellowish- though some may be yellowish-green or light brown. The sacs are wrapped in a layer of silk, which serves to shield the eggs from harm and often gives the sacs an irregular shape and texture. While many spider egg sacs are orb-shaped, others can take on a conical, oblong, or lens-like form.

In most cases, the size of the egg sac is proportional to the spider that produced it. They are generally smaller than a quarter, though this can vary by species. Some spiders create a single large sac, while others produce multiple smaller ones. Each sac may contain anywhere from just a few eggs to over 2,000, with the majority housing between 100 and 200. To distinguish spider egg sacs from debris or the eggs of other pests, look for the silky outer layer, which gives them a unique texture and sheen. Unlike the smooth, uniform appearance of many pest eggs, spider sacs often appear slightly lumpy or fibrous due to their silk wrapping.

What Do Spider Eggs Look Like?

With around 500 spider species in the Garden State, spiders in New Jersey are incredibly diverse, and we can’t cover them all. However, here’s a guide for spider egg sac identification, focusing on the eggs of some of the most commonly encountered species in New Jersey.

Triangulate House Spider egg sacs are loosely woven white spheres, measuring about 5 to 6mm in diameter. Each sac contains roughly 30 eggs. These sacs are often found in undisturbed corners of homes or basements.

The Common House Spider lays egg sacs that are brownish in color with a distinctive flask-like shape. They are slightly larger than those of the Triangulate House Spider, measuring 6 to 9mm in diameter, and typically contain around 250 eggs.

Wolf Spiders are unique in that they carry their egg sacs with them. A wolf spider with an egg sac will have a whitish, spherical sac, about ½ inch in diameter, attached to its abdomen. After hatching, the spiderlings ride on their mother’s abdomen until they are ready to venture out independently.

Long-Bodied Cellar Spiders also carry their egg sacs. They lay 15 to 60 eggs and wrap them in a thin, translucent silk layer. Because the individual eggs are visible, the sac has a striking resemblance to an unripe blackberry.

Grass Spiders create their egg sacs by spinning a silk sheet, depositing the eggs in the center, wrapping them with additional silk, and covering them with another silk layer. The final product is a flat, lens-shaped sac measuring around 25mm. Each sac contains about 50 eggs and is often found near web edges, alongside the deceased mother spider.

Orb Weaver egg sacs are spherical and can reach up to 1 inch in diameter. Their colors and patterns vary widely depending on the species. Most orb weavers lay between 100 and 300 eggs per sac, which are typically hidden in sheltered areas close to their webs.

Jumping Spider egg sacs are generally white, lens-shaped, and contain between 100 and 150 eggs. As with Orb Weaver sacs, their appearance can vary between species, but they are usually found in protected locations.

Although less common in New Jersey, Brown Recluse egg sacs may be encountered. These sacs are white, loosely woven, and measure approximately 6 to 10mm in diameter. Each sac holds 40 to 50 eggs and is often hidden in dark, undisturbed areas such as sheds or basements.

Black Widow egg sacs are more distinctive. They are smooth, cream-colored, and resemble small teardrops or cotton balls, measuring about 10 to 15mm in diameter. Each sac contains 100 to 400 eggs. Black Widows usually suspend their sacs in their webs, which are often found in secluded corners or crevices.

By focusing on the size, shape, texture, and placement of these egg sacs, you can effectively identify the type of spider responsible. For spider egg sac identification, it’s helpful to consider the environment where the sac is located, as well as the traits specific to the spider species common in New Jersey.

When and Where Do Spiders Lay Eggs in Homes?

Most spiders lay their eggs during the fall or spring, depending on their species and environmental conditions. Spider eggs typically take about 1 to 2 weeks to hatch, which helps explain why spider activity often peaks during the summer and winter months when the young or adult spiders are more noticeable. However, even during the coldest winter months, spiders can still be a concern, especially indoors. For effective management of spider populations and to prevent infestations, implementing year-round spider pest control practices, including winter pest control, is crucial.

Spiders are strategic about where they lay their eggs, often choosing locations that offer protection and minimal disturbance. Common places include webs, crevices, burrows, and sheltered outdoor areas like under leaves, rocks, or woodpiles. Indoors, spider eggs on the wall, in corners, behind furniture, or in basements and attics are not unusual. Whether they carry their eggs or leave them in these concealed spaces, spiders can find their way indoors during colder months, making vigilance essential even in winter.

How Long Does It Take for Spider Eggs to Hatch?

The hatching timeline for spider eggs varies widely depending on the species and environmental conditions. Generally, spider eggs take 1 to 4 weeks to hatch, though some species may require longer. Warmer temperatures typically speed up development, while cooler conditions can delay it. For example, house spider eggs often hatch in 7 to 10 days, while wolf spider eggs may take up to 3 weeks. Orb weavers and other outdoor species may adjust their hatching cycle based on seasonal factors. If you're wondering, "How long does it take for spider eggs to hatch?" the precise answer depends on species-specific factors and habitat conditions.

How to Remove Spider Eggs Safely

Before attempting to remove a spider egg sac, it’s important to identify its source. If the sac belongs to a potentially dangerous species, such as a black widow or brown recluse, it’s best to leave the task to professionals. Both of these spiders typically lay their eggs in dark, sheltered, low-traffic corners, making them difficult to spot and even more dangerous to handle. Learning how to get rid of spider eggs safely is crucial to avoiding infestations and potential harm.

There are several effective do-it-yourself methods for removing spider eggs. The most common and straightforward method is vacuuming. Use a hose attachment to carefully suck up the egg sac and immediately dispose of the vacuum contents in a sealed bag outdoors. However, caution is key- disturbing an egg sac prematurely may cause it to break open, potentially releasing hundreds of baby spiders into your home.

Spray applications are another effective approach to killing spider eggs. It’s essential to use the right substances to ensure effectiveness. Some of the best options include a bleach-and-water mix, white or apple cider vinegar, fast-acting bug sprays, or even Windex. If you opt for a bug spray or pesticide, choose an oil-based variety, as these are proven to be more effective at killing spider eggs than water-based sprays.

Keep in mind that DIY methods are most effective for isolated cases with only one or two egg sacs. While they can address the immediate problem, they’re not sufficient for managing larger infestations. If you notice multiple egg sacs or suspect a growing spider population, it’s time to contact a professional exterminator for a yard pest control plan to ensure the problem is fully resolved.

How to Prevent Spiders and Spider Eggs Indoors in New Jersey

Spiders follow their food source, which means the best way to keep spiders out is by eliminating the insects they prey on. Start by sealing any gaps, cracks, or openings around windows, doors, and foundations that could serve as entry points for pests. Reducing outdoor lighting at night can also help, as lights attract insects that spiders feed on. Consider switching to yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, which are less appealing to bugs.

To further discourage spiders, maintain a tidy perimeter around your home or business. Keep firewood, mulch, and plants at least 1 foot away from the exterior walls, as these provide shelter for both spiders and their prey. Shake out items like gardening tools, outdoor furniture, or firewood before bringing them indoors. Similarly, inspect and shake out items that have been in storage before using them, as these are common hiding places for spiders.

Humidity plays a significant role in attracting spiders and their food sources, so reducing moisture levels indoors is another effective tactic. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and crawl spaces. Repair any leaky pipes or faucets promptly and avoid leaving standing water in sinks or tubs.

Lastly, maintain cleanliness by dusting regularly and vacuuming corners, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas where spiders like to hide. Remove spider webs as soon as you spot them to discourage spiders from staying or laying eggs. Keeping your home clutter-free also eliminates hiding spots, making it less inviting for spiders.

If you’ve discovered an abundance of spider egg sacs in your home or business, or suspect the eggs belong to a dangerous species, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Twin-Boro, we understand that spiders often invade properties by following other pests. Our comprehensive residential pest control and commercial pest control plans are designed to address both spiders and the insects that attract them, ensuring your property remains pest-free. Trust our experts to provide effective, customized solutions to protect your space and restore your peace of mind. Reach out to us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our services.