Year-in-Review: Top Missouri Pest Calls & Fixes – Annual Summary With Success Stories in Lake of the Ozarks, MO

From waterfront homes to wooded cabins and lake-view rentals, the Lake of the Ozarks region experienced a dynamic pest season in 2025. Changes in lake levels, heavy tourism flow, and long stretches of humidity all contributed to a variety of pest challenges across the area.

Plank Termite & Pest Control is proud to look back at the biggest pest trends, the most common service calls, and the success stories that helped Lake homeowners enjoy a safer, more comfortable year.

Top Pest Calls in Lake of the Ozarks, MO This Year

1. Spider Activity – Lake Homes & Dock Areas

Properties near the water experienced significant spider movement, especially during warm evenings and high-humidity periods.

• Full de-webbing of exterior siding, docks, and boat houses
• Perimeter treatment around lights and shaded areas
• Guidance on reducing outdoor attractants like lights and moisture

Success Story: A lakefront homeowner battled heavy spider web buildup around their dock walkway. After a complete exterior treatment and routine follow-up, their dock stayed clear for the entire summer season.

2. Ant Infestations – Kitchens, Decks & Lake-Level Rooms

Carpenter ants and odorous house ants were a recurring issue, especially in homes surrounded by trees or with elevated moisture.

• Strategic baiting around moisture points
• Non-repellent treatments on the exterior foundation
• Identification of nearby nest sources, including fallen logs

Success Story: A family in Osage Beach noticed daily ant activity in their lower-level kitchen. After pinpointing a satellite colony near their wooden deck, our treatments eliminated the ants within a week.

3. Rodent Intrusions – Crawlspaces, Storage Areas & Boats

As weather cooled, mice and other rodents began entering lake homes in search of food and warmth—especially vacation homes left vacant for long periods.

• Locked bait stations on exteriors
• Exclusion sealing along crawlspaces, vents, and gaps
• Recommendations for secure food storage and boat protection

Success Story: A seasonal homeowner returned to find rodent nesting in their stored pontoon. After thorough cleanup and installing rodent guards, they have remained rodent-free through the season.

4. German Cockroaches – Rental Properties & Year-Round Residences

The busy tourism season brought increased calls from short-term rentals and multi-unit homes.

• Insect growth regulators and gel baiting in kitchens and appliance areas
• Follow-up treatments to ensure elimination
• Education for renters and property managers on sanitation and clutter

Success Story: A lakeside rental cabin had recurring roach sightings during peak visitor season. With a two-visit treatment plan and sanitation improvements, the issue was resolved before the next month’s bookings.

5. Termite Activity – Soil-Moisture Zones & Wooded Lots

Homes with high soil moisture or natural wood surroundings saw heightened termite pressure this year.

• Sentricon® bait system installations
• Detailed inspections during spring swarm season
• Long-term monitoring to ensure colony elimination

Success Story: A Lake Ozark homeowner discovered mud tubes along a garage foundation. After installing Sentricon and addressing drainage issues, activity ceased completely by mid-year.

Why Pest Activity Was High in 2025

• Rising lake levels and humidity that encouraged ant and spider movement
• Seasonal vacancies that allowed rodents and insects to establish unnoticed
• Heavy tourist traffic increased the risk of German cockroach introductions

What Lake of the Ozarks Homeowners Should Expect in 2026

Based on this year’s trends, homeowners can expect heavy ant trails in early spring after warm winter spells, more rodent pressure in the fall—especially in vacant or part-time homes—increased interest in termite protection due to rising moisture levels, and consistent spider activity around docks and exterior lighting during summer.

Need Pest Control Around Lake of the Ozarks?

From waterfront properties to wooded homes, our team provides safe, effective pest solutions tailored to the lake lifestyle. Call 573-368-3333 or schedule online today.