Spring
Spring Cleaning Pest Checklist – Caulking, Door Sweeps, and Yard Prep in Lake of the Ozark, MO
| Dec 11, 2025
As temperatures rise around Lake of the Ozark, pests become more active. Homes near the water often face extra pest pressure thanks to higher humidity, dense vegetation, and wooded surroundings. By working a few pest-focused tasks into your spring cleaning routine, you can protect your home before pests gain a foothold.
1) Seal Gaps, Cracks & Openings Around the Home
- Inspect window frames, siding seams, door trim, and utility lines for cracks or separation.
- Apply exterior-grade caulk around plumbing, vents, and cable or electrical penetrations.
- Replace worn or brittle weather stripping around doors and windows.
Even small gaps can allow ants, spiders, beetles, and mice to slip inside—especially in wooded or waterfront neighborhoods where pest populations are higher.
2) Install or Upgrade Door Sweeps
- Add tight-fitting door sweeps to exterior and garage doors.
- Stand inside during daylight—if you see light under a door, pests can enter through that space.
- Inspect thresholds and bottom seals for cracking or warping and replace if they no longer seal properly.
Pro tip from Plank: In many Lake of the Ozark homes, we trace ant and spider activity back to simple door gaps that could be fixed with a quality sweep and fresh weather stripping.
3) Yard Prep & Vegetation Control
- Trim trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants so they do not touch your siding, deck, or roofline.
- Rake away leaf piles, mulch buildup, and yard debris along the foundation.
- Move firewood, lumber piles, and compost setups 20+ feet away from your exterior walls.
- Thin out dense vegetation that allows insects to bridge from the yard to the home.
Why it matters: Shaded, cluttered areas around the home create ideal harborage for spiders, ants, beetles, and rodents. Keeping the perimeter open and clean reduces pest traffic right at your foundation.
4) Fix Drainage & Moisture Issues
- Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent overflow and siding damage.
- Extend downspouts or add splash blocks so water flows 6–10 feet away from your foundation.
- Repair leaky outdoor faucets, AC condensate lines, and irrigation leaks that create consistently damp soil.
- Fill or regrade low spots in the yard that hold water after spring rains.
Moisture draws pests like mosquitoes, termites, and roaches. Correcting drainage issues protects your structure and makes your property less attractive to moisture-loving insects.
5) Schedule a Professional Spring Pest Inspection
Waterfront and wooded environments can make pest control more challenging. A professional spring inspection helps ensure hidden entry points and high-risk areas are identified and treated before pest populations spike.
- Perimeter Guard Plan: Seasonally timed treatments that build a protective barrier around your home.
- Targeted services: Focused control for ants, spiders, beetles, rodents, and other local pests.
- Family- and pet-conscious options based on your home and lifestyle.
Schedule Your Spring treatment
