Raccoons and related wildlife control issues are one of the most pressing problems in the Northern Virginia region today.  Whether you live in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax,  Springfield or beyond, you may find yourself dealing with a raccoon invasion on your property, and need to contact a wildlife control expert to help you with the problem.

Below are the top 3 reasons raccoons invade northern Virginia homes, and what you may do to avoid an invasion.

Raccoons were the original settlers

While raccoons may look harmless at first, the potential mischief and the importance of proper management cannot be overstated.  Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning that while you and your family innocently slumber, these creatures can get into your trash or home, track in dirt and disease, and generally cause havoc.  Raccoons do not do this out of any sort of inborn malignancy or malice, but because we humans have encroached upon their natural habitat, and they’re trying to survive.

Raccoons Nest

As stated, this land used to be Raccoon Country, and as with most mammals, raccoons like to have a set habitat to raise their young; so they nest.  The problem with a raccoon nest near or on your property means it may feel you’re the one encroaching on it’s territory, is not very likely to leave.   Additionally, raccoons track in all manner of bacteria and insects which are indigenous to the Northern Virginia area and which can range from nuisances like ticks to real pests like termites.

Raccoons Seek Out Food Sources

One good step to take in order to prevent raccoon incursions on your property is to be sure that you don’t have extra food lying around, and to seal your trash containers at night so raccoons can’t get into them.  A fed raccoon is a happy raccoon—and you don’t want this guest making repeat dinner visits.