By Gary Anderson|August 26, 2025|4 min read

Do Spiders Lay Eggs in the House?

Identification, egg sac locations, hatching timeline, and prevention tips.

Spiders that inhabit homes are generally harmless to humans and often feed on bugs which help keep pest populations down. However, once they find their way into a household, spiders begin laying eggs which can lead to infestations.

Unlike other insects, spiders typically lay their eggs inside a silk egg sac. This sac is usually hidden within a web, attached to a surface, or carried by the female spider. A single spider can generate multiple egg sacs during their lifetime with each sac containing several hundred eggs.

Why This Matters

Understanding spider reproduction helps prevent infestations. By recognizing where spiders lay eggs and what their egg sacs look like, homeowners can identify problems before they escalate.

Quick Facts

Eggs laid in silk sacs

30-300 eggs per sac typical

Hatch in 2-3 weeks

Breed year-round indoors

How Do You Identify Spider Egg Sacs?

Most spider egg sacs look like small white pearls encased in silk and hanging in cobwebs. However, they can vary by species:

Pea to Grape

Size range

White (most)

Color of spider silk

Brown/Green

Some species

Spherical

Typical shape

Tip: The type of web holding the egg sac is usually a good indicator of the spider species. Notable web types include orbs, cobwebs/tangles, funnels, sheet webs, and wooly webs.

Where Do Spiders Lay Eggs?

Spiders seek hidden, protected locations safe from parasites and the elements:

Indoor Locations

Dark, damp, secluded areas
Attics and basements
Garages
Corners and crevices
Under furniture

Outdoor Locations

Woodpiles
Building overhangs
Under stones
Leaf piles and debris
In foliage

How Many Eggs Do Spiders Lay?

The number varies greatly by species. Common house spiders lay around 100 eggs per sac, while some species lay up to 2,000. The overall range is typically 100-4,000 eggs in a spider's lifespan.

Spider Type	Eggs per Sac	Number of Sacs
Wolf spiders	100+	1-2
Brown recluse spiders	40-50	5
Black widow spiders	255	5
Yellow sac spiders	30-50	5
Jumping spiders	30-170	6
Hobo spiders	50-100	1-4
Daddy long legs	50	8
American house spiders	250	17
Orb-weaver spiders	100-300	1-4

Found Spider Egg Sacs in Your Home?

One egg sac can contain hundreds of spiders. Get professional treatment before they hatch.

Call (866) 326-2847

Hatching & Dispersal

Hatching Timeline

Spider eggs typically hatch in 2-3 weeks. Before leaving the sac, spiderlings undergo their first molt, shedding their skin. They then use their fangs to create an exit.

After Hatching

Spiderlings cluster near the sac and feed on yolk remnants. As they grow, they disperse to stake out territories, which prevents sibling cannibalism.

Dispersal Methods

Ballooning: Spin silk caught by wind
Walking: Ground-dwelling species
Bridging: Swing via silk between branches

How to Tell if an Egg Sac is Empty

Empty sacs move easily when air flows over them. They often lose their spherical shape with visible holes where spiderlings emerged.

How to Remove Spider Eggs

Water & Bleach Solution

Spray directly on visible egg sacs

Vacuum Cleaner

Suction removes sacs; dispose bag immediately

Oil-Based Pesticides

Apply to sacs and surrounding areas

Note: DIY solutions address visible sacs but may not tackle hidden infestations. If numerous baby spiders appear, contact professional pest control.

How to Prevent Spiders from Infesting Your Home

Seal Entry Points

Cracks in foundation, walls, doors, windows. First barrier of defense.

Perimeter Treatment

Chemical pesticides around structure that kill spiders on contact.

Declutter

Remove wood piles, cardboard boxes. Spiders nest in dark, protected spaces.

Landscape Management

Trim hedges and trees touching your house. Spiders use plants as bridges.

Remove Attractants

Keep mulch, woodpiles, compost, and rocks away from house foundation.

Professional Inspections

Regular pest control assessments identify and address unique issues.

Contact EcoGuard If You Are Dealing with Spiders

Managing spiders involves proactive measures and informed choices. For comprehensive, effective, and stress-free solutions to spider control, reach out to EcoGuard Pest Management. Our team of pest control experts will help you keep your home spider-free, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

Call (866) 326-2847 Get Free Quote

Spider Egg FAQs

How do you identify a spider egg?

Spider eggs are typically housed in silken sacs, which may vary in size, shape, and color depending on the species. These sacs can be identified by their web-like material and are often found in tucked-away areas such as corners, under furniture, or in basements.

Do spiders give birth or lay eggs?

Spiders do not give birth like mammals; instead, they lay eggs. The female spider will deposit her eggs into a silken sac that she creates specifically for this purpose.

How many eggs are in a spider egg sac?

The number of eggs in a spider egg sac can vary widely depending on the species of spider. Some spiders may lay just a few dozen eggs while others, especially larger species, can lay up to several thousand eggs in one sac.

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