If you’ve ever been swoop-bombed by an angry magpie while casually strolling or cycling, you know the true meaning of fear. One minute, you’re enjoying a peaceful day, and the next, you’re ducking for cover as a territorial bird turns you into its personal target. Figuring out how to get rid of magpies (or at least how to peacefully coexist) is essential for keeping your sanity intact. Are you also tired of magpies stealing your pet’s food or waging war on your morning walk? Let’s talk about keeping these feathery troublemakers at bay, without breaking the law!
Understanding Magpie Behaviour
Before taking action, it’s important to understand why magpies behave the way they do:
- Breeding Season (August – October): Male magpies become territorial and may swoop at pedestrians, cyclists, and even pets.
- Food Scavenging: Magpies are opportunistic feeders and will return to areas where they find food.
- Nesting Habits: Magpies prefer trees, shrubs, and rooftops for nesting, especially in suburban areas.
By recognising these behaviours, you can implement strategies on how to get rid of magpies more effectively.
Effective Ways to Deter Magpies
If you’re dealing with magpies on your property, here are several humane ways to deter magpies:
1. Use Reflective Objects
Magpies dislike bright, flashing lights. Try these simple solutions:
- Hang old CDs or aluminium foil strips in trees or around your home.
- Install reflective tape or Mylar balloons in your garden.
- Place small mirrors near nesting areas to confuse the birds.
2. Install Protective Netting
- Use bird netting over fruit trees and vegetable patches.
- Cover chicken coops and aviaries to prevent magpies from stealing food.
- Ensure netting is taut to avoid entanglement and harm to other wildlife.
3. Audible Deterrents
What scares magpies away the most? Unfamiliar noises!
- Motion-activated ultrasonic devices can be effective.
- Play recorded predator calls at intervals.
- Use wind chimes or loud clapping to startle magpies.
Preventing Magpie Attraction
To effectively keep magpies away, remove anything that draws them in.
Secure Food Sources
- Keep pet food indoors to avoid attracting scavenging magpies.
- Use sealed bins for waste and compost to prevent easy access to food scraps.
- Avoid leaving birdseed or food scraps in open spaces, as this can encourage magpies to return.
Modify Nesting Sites
- Trim large trees and dense bushes to reduce safe nesting spots for magpies.
- Block potential nesting areas, such as roof eaves and ledges, with wire mesh.
- If legally permitted, remove early nest structures before eggs are laid to discourage magpies from settling.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to get rid of magpies, addressing these factors is one of the best ways to start.
Staying Safe During Magpie Swooping Season
Magpie attacks can be intimidating, but here’s how to scare magpies away without harming them:
- Wear Protective Gear: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and bike helmet can help shield against swooping attacks.
- Make Eye Contact: Magpies tend to attack from behind. Looking directly at them while walking past can reduce aggression.
- Alter Your Route: If possible, avoid areas where magpies are known to swoop.
- Travel in Groups: Magpies are less likely to swoop when multiple people are present.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Magpies are often protected by wildlife laws, making it illegal to harm or relocate them without permission. Ethical removal methods should prioritize humane, non-lethal solutions. This section covers legal restrictions and responsible ways to manage magpies.
Can You Kill Magpies?
In Australia, magpies are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, making it illegal to harm or kill them without special permits. Instead of asking “how to kill magpies,” focus on humane and effective deterrents that respect wildlife protection laws.
Can You Keep Magpies as Pets?
Although magpies can become friendly towards humans, it is illegal to keep magpies as pets in Australia. They are wild birds that thrive best in their natural environment. Instead of domesticating them, consider ways to appreciate and coexist with them safely.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Magpie Management
- Engage with Your Community: Inform neighbours of magpie activity so they can take precautions.
- Report Problematic Magpies: If a magpie is excessively aggressive, contact local wildlife authorities for assistance.
- Use Decoys: Some property owners find success using fake owls or predator models to deter magpies.
Conclusion
Dealing with magpies can be frustrating, and actually knowing how to get rid of magpies can make a huge difference. Simple changes like securing food sources and using reflective deterrents can keep these birds away without harming them. If magpies are becoming a real nuisance, let the experts handle it.
Say goodbye to pests with True Pest Control – fast, reliable, and affordable solutions in Australia! Call us at 0480022718 today for expert pest removal!
FAQs
Ques 1. Why do magpies keep coming back?
Ans. Magpies return if they find food, water, or shelter. To keep magpies away, remove pet food, cover bins, and limit water sources.
Ques 2. Do fake owls or hawks work?
Ans. They can, but magpies are smart! Move them often so they don’t realise it’s fake. This magpie deterrent works best when combined with other methods.
Ques 3. Can loud music scare magpies away?
Ans. Yes, sudden loud noises can startle them, but they may adapt. For what scares magpies away long-term, mix sound with other deterrents.
Ques 4. Will magpies damage my garden?
Ans. They might dig up soil and eat fruit. The best magpie deterrent for gardens is netting over plants.
Ques 5. Is feeding magpies a bad idea?
Ans. Yes! What attracts magpies most is easy food. Feeding them can make them return and even become aggressive.
Ques 6. Can I relocate a magpie?
Ans. No, magpies are protected. Instead of worrying about how to kill a magpie, try using deterrents and protective gear.
Ques 7. Why do magpies swoop at some people?
Ans. Magpies remember faces! Changing your appearance with sunglasses or a hat can help deter magpies from attacking.
Ques 8. What’s the most effective way to get rid of magpies?
Ans. If you’re wondering how to get rid of magpies, the best approach is removing food sources, using reflective objects, and avoiding known nesting areas.
