Trouble in the Air Over Leesburg

Trouble is coming home to roost in Leesburg, Va.

Vultures, by some estimates up to 200 of them, are making their home in neighborhoods around Mayfair Drive and Plaza Street in the northeast part of the town.

Vultures are important for the environment but cause trouble when they make their homes in residential areas. They tend to damage roofs by picking at rubber seals and roofing material, and their waste falls on vehicles, buildings and yards, causing health concerns.

So starting Monday and continuing daily through the week, federal wildlife officials will set off fireworks, lasers and noisemakers to disrupt and disperse the vultures. The effort begins at 4 p.m. and lasts for about an hour.

Wildlife officials say if the effort works, both resident and the vultures will benefit.