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Winter Pest Myths Debunked – What Actually Happens to Bugs in Lake of the Ozarks, MO
| Jan 15, 2026
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Winter Doesn’t Stop Pest Activity in Lake Homes
Many homeowners around Lake of the Ozarks believe that cold weather wipes out bugs for the season. But Missouri winters are not severe enough to eliminate pests. Instead, insects and rodents change their behavior, seeking out warm, sheltered areas in homes, cabins, boathouses, and crawlspaces.
Plank Termite & Pest Control hears winter pest myths every year throughout the lake region. Here is what is really happening behind the walls, under docks, and inside lake properties when temperatures drop.
Myth #1: Cold Weather Kills All Bugs
Reality:
Lake-area pests are well adapted to winter. Even during freezing temperatures, most insects survive by using natural overwintering strategies that protect them until spring.
Common strategies include:
- Overwintering in boathouses, crawlspaces, sheds, and attic voids
- Entering diapause, a hibernation-like state
- Staying active inside heated homes and rental cabins
- Laying eggs that endure freezing temperatures
In the Lake of the Ozarks region, pests that commonly survive winter include:
Myth #2: Spiders Don’t Bother Lake Homes in Winter
Reality:
Spiders remain active throughout winter, especially in lake homes with large crawlspaces, storage rooms, and areas that stay undisturbed for long periods. Vacation homes often have increased spider activity because pests can hide for months without being noticed.
Common winter hiding places include:
- Utility closets and basements
- Unused guest rooms
- Crawlspaces and under-deck storage
- Dock sheds and boathouses
Myth #3: Rodents Slow Down During Winter
Reality:
Rodent activity around Lake of the Ozarks increases sharply during winter. Mice and rats seek warmth and shelter in lake cabins, boathouses, garages, and under-home structures.
Rodents commonly nest in:
- Boat docks and storage units
- Garages and workshops
- Basements and crawlspaces
- Attics and insulation
- Pantries and kitchen areas
They can squeeze through openings the size of a dime and are known for damaging insulation and chewing on electrical wiring in lake homes and boats.
Myth #4: Mosquitoes Disappear Completely
Reality:
Mosquitoes aren’t gone — they’re waiting for spring. Their eggs survive freezing temperatures and overwinter in moist areas, especially around the shoreline and wooded lake properties.
Mosquito eggs overwinter in:
- Damp soil and shoreline edges
- Clogged gutters
- Buckets, toys, and outdoor equipment
- Standing water around docks and decks
Myth #5: Winter Pest Control Isn’t Needed at the Lake
Reality:
Winter is one of the most important seasons for lake homeowners. Many pests hide deep inside walls, docks, insulation, and crawlspaces during this time. Winter pest control helps prevent the explosion of spring bugs and rodents.
Winter services help:
- Reduce spring pest populations early
- Stop spiders from nesting in unused rooms
- Prevent rodent damage in insulation and wiring
- Treat wall voids and utility entry points
- Protect part-time and rental homes while they’re unoccupied
Common Winter Pests in Lake of the Ozarks, MO
- Brown recluse & house spiders
- Mice & rats
- Lady beetles
- Cluster flies
- Stink bugs
- Silverfish
- Cockroaches (indoors)
- Boxelder bugs
How Plank Termite & Pest Control Protects Lake Homes in Winter
Our winter pest program is designed specifically for lake homes, cabins, rentals, and vacation properties. We target the areas where pests hide during the coldest months.
A winter service at Lake of the Ozarks may include:
- Interior inspection of crawlspaces, basements, and storage rooms
- Rodent entry-point analysis
- Wall-void dusting for overwintering insects
- Attic and insulation assessment
- Dock and boathouse pest evaluation upon request
- Exterior winter-grade barrier treatment
- Moisture and ventilation recommendations
Protect Your Lake of the Ozarks Home This Winter
Winter doesn’t eliminate pests — it drives them indoors. Whether your lake home is occupied or seasonal, professional winter pest protection helps keep it safe, clean, and pest-free year-round.
Call Plank Termite & Pest Control at 573-368-3333 to schedule your winter pest service for Lake of the Ozarks, MO.
