Why Rodents Love Your Storage Totes – And How to Protect Holiday Decorations in Lake of the Ozark, MO

Winter around Lake of the Ozark may bring peaceful, quiet views — but behind the scenes, rodents are more active than ever. As temperatures drop, mice and rats seek out warm, sheltered areas inside lake homes, cabins, garages, and boat houses. One of their top targets? Storage totes filled with holiday decorations.

Because many lake homes sit unoccupied during the off-season, rodents have plenty of time to sneak into storage areas, chew through containers, and nest inside soft holiday materials. By spring, the damage can be extensive. Here’s why rodents love storage totes and how Lake of the Ozark homeowners can protect their belongings.

Why Rodents Are Drawn to Storage Totes

To rodents, storage totes are more than containers — they’re ideal shelter. Here’s what makes them so appealing:

• Warmth and insulation: Garages, basements, and attics stay warmer in winter, especially in lake-area homes built with crawlspaces.
• Perfect nesting materials: Holiday decorations include tissue paper, ribbon, fabric ornaments, tinsel, and greenery — everything rodents need for nest-building.
• Quiet, low-traffic spaces: Many Lake of the Ozark homes are seasonal or part-time residences, giving rodents uninterrupted time to nest.
• Chewable access: Even sturdy totes can be chewed open by rodents determined to reach nesting material.

Common Rodent Entry Points in Lake of the Ozark Homes

Lake homes, cabins, and rental properties around the Ozarks often have features that make rodent entry easier than homeowners realize.

1. Garages & Carports

Rodents enter through tiny gaps near the garage door or along walls, then hide behind stacked totes where they won’t be disturbed.

2. Lake Basements & Crawlspaces

These areas often trap moisture — which attracts rodents — and provide dark, undisturbed shelter ideal for nesting.

3. Attics

Rodents climb insulation, plumbing lines, or roof gaps to reach attics where stored décor is kept year-round.

4. Outdoor Sheds & Boat Houses

These structures are rarely sealed tightly, giving rodents an easy invitation during cold weather.

Signs Rodents Have Gotten Into Your Decorations

• Chew marks on storage tote lids or corners
• Torn tissue paper or shredded ribbons and garland
• Foul or musty smells inside totes
• Rodent droppings around shelves or bins
• Damaged string lights, chewed wires, or frayed fabric ornaments

How to Protect Holiday Decorations From Rodents

1. Upgrade to Durable, Locking Totes

Thicker, rodent-resistant storage bins with locking lids make it harder for rodents to chew through or squeeze inside.

2. Store Bins Off the Floor

Use shelving or pallets to elevate totes. This reduces rodent access and makes it easier to spot activity.

3. Keep Storage Areas Organized

Rodents thrive in clutter. Clean, open spaces reduce hiding spots and make inspections easier.

4. Seal Entry Points Around Your Home

Inspect for gaps near foundation walls, vents, crawlspace entrances, and utility lines. Rodents can enter through openings as small as a dime.

5. Avoid Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard absorbs moisture and odors and is easily chewed. Plastic totes last longer and offer better protection.

6. Add Natural Rodent Repellents

Peppermint sachets, cedar blocks, or vapor barriers help deter rodents from settling near storage areas.

Special Consideration for Seasonal Lake Homes

Many homes around Lake of the Ozark sit vacant for weeks or months at a time. This gives rodents uninterrupted access to storage areas. Before leaving for the season, double-check storage zones and seal food sources, gaps, and moisture issues.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice signs of rodent activity or your storage totes show chewing or nesting damage, it's important to act quickly. Rodents reproduce fast, and a small problem can grow into a large infestation — especially in unoccupied homes.

A professional inspection ensures that hidden infestations in attics, crawlspaces, garages, or boat houses are identified and treated before decorations and structural components are damaged.

Protect Your Holiday Items All Year Long

Your holiday décor holds both monetary and sentimental value. Don’t risk opening your totes next season only to find ruined ornaments, damaged lights, or nests of shredded materials.

Plank Termite & Pest Control proudly protects Lake of the Ozark homes with effective rodent prevention and winter pest services.

Call 573-368-3333 to schedule a rodent inspection or request winter pest protection today.