rid soil of pests?

[michaelpeg]

if the soil you buy isn't 100% free of pests can you put it in the oven and bake it for a while to kill the pests or would this negativly affect the soil?

michaelpeg Reviewed by michaelpeg on 11-13-2008. rid soil of pests? if the soil you buy isn't 100% free of pests can you put it in the oven and bake it for a while to kill the pests or would this negativly affect the soil? Rating: 5

[Mr. Clandestine]

Using an oven or putting the soil in a black plastic bag and leaving under the sun for a few hours will help to kill many pests and eggs, but might not eliminate them completely. Still, if you plan to do it in your oven you should probably moisten the soil first, especially if it's already pretty dry, and definitely don't put the oven on the 'broil' setting.

Regardless, I've never done it, but I can only imagine that it is going to make your kitchen smell like soil for a very long time. Just something to keep in mind.