Magpies are a common nuisance to many people. They can be aggressive, noisy, and destructive. If you are looking for ways to get rid of magpies, you have come to the right place.
Although magpies are often considered lovely to look at, they can be quite complicated to get rid of. The good news is there are plenty of methods and products you can use to help rid your property of these birds safely and effectively.
In today’s article, we are going to talk about how to get rid of magpies using expert tips, tricks, methods, products, and even home remedies!
Let’s get started!
Contents
Understanding Magpies And Why They May Be Difficult To Get Rid Of
Magpies are considered some of the most intelligent bird species in the world.
The magpie is a member of the Corvidae family, which also includes jackdaws, ravens, crows, rooks, treepies, nutcrackers, and choughs. These birds can be found throughout the United States and are sometimes referred to as black and white birds, but they can also be blue-gray or black.
The magpie has always been known for its intelligence and its ability to mimic sounds. In fact, it was long thought that this bird had a higher level of intelligence than other members of its family. It’s now believed that these traits are more common among corvids in general than previously thought.
The magpie is a very social bird who lives in large flocks during the breeding season and in smaller groups during the winter months. Magpies often mate for life and will build their nests together over time so they have ample room for raising their families.
Once they’ve started nesting, they’ll lay their eggs before returning to their winter home with their mate. The female will incubate her eggs while the male looks after both partners’ young until they’re ready to leave home themselves when they’re about six months old.
As a highly intelligent bird, it may be no surprise that the magpie has an incredible memory. One study showed that they were able to remember the faces of people who had done them wrong, and would attack them when they crossed paths again!
Due to their high levels of intelligence and the fact that they mate for life, it’s also no surprise that magpies might be difficult to get rid of once they’ve chosen your property to nest in.
The good news is that there are options available for dealing with magpies, from humane traps to repellents and deterrents. However, it’s important that you take the time to choose the right method for your situation, as some methods may not be effective against these birds.
It’s also important to take a look at why you might have so many magpies around your home, to begin with. If you take a good amount of time and energy to get rid of these birds while something on your property is attracting them, then you’ll just wind up with more magpies in the future.
To prevent this cycle, let’s take a look at what attracts magpies and why you might have these birds choosing to nest near you. Then we will go on to discuss how to get rid of magpies using certain products, tips, and methods.
Why Do You Have So Many Magpies Around Your House?
Magpies are attracted to different types of food sources including insects.
Are you dealing with magpies? It’s important to be sure.
Magpies are birds that can be found in most of the world. They have a black and white body with a long tail that is usually black in color. Their wings are also black but they have white patches on their wings. They are known for their loud calls which often sound like loud whistles or screams.
If you are dealing with magpies, then the first thing that you should do is try and determine why these birds have come into your yard in the first place. If it is because they’re looking for food or water then you should try and eliminate these attractants from your yard as much as possible so that they will go elsewhere.
Magpies are omnivorous, eating insects, seeds, and berries. They have a tendency to eat small animals such as lizards, mice, and rats. This means they can be an excellent form of pest control for your yard or garden, especially if you are dealing with these smaller pests regularly.
However, magpies are also quite aggressive and territorial, even to people and pets. As a result, it is important to know where magpies like building their nests so you can either stay away from these areas or so you can use targeted methods when it comes to how to get rid of magpies.
Keep in mind that, like many birds, magpies seek out nests near areas that provide them with protection like dense forests or wooded areas. This is often why magpies choose shrubs or dense trees for building their nests. Magpies also like to nest near streams or water since they need water for drinking and bathing purposes.
If you have noticed a pair of magpies nesting in your backyard, then they may be there to stay for some time and they may even return regularly. Furthermore, magpie pairs often return to the same nest year after year. In fact, it is estimated that roughly 30% to 40% of magpie nests will be reused by the birds, making the removal of these nests an important step in your process of how to get rid of magpies.
Certain trees on your property can also increase the likelihood of you dealing with a magpie problem.
Magpies tend to be attracted to the below trees:
Blackwood Trees (Acacia melanoxylon)
The black and white banding on the trunk, branches, and flowers make this tree an attractive food source for magpies. They will often build their nests in these trees.
Gumtree (Eucalyptus)
Gumtrees have long spindly branches that are ideal for perching and nesting sites for magpies. These trees also provide great protection and shelter.
Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon)
The large trunk, high canopy, and thick foliage make this tree an attractive food source for magpies. Like Gumtree, the thick foliage also provides protection and shelter from predators.
Magpies may also be attracted to Acacia (Black Wattle), Cherry Laurel (Laurel Cherry), Elm (English Elm), Mulberry Trees, and Oak (English Oak).
How To Get Rid Of Magpies – Most Effective Methods
There are several methods you can use to get rid of magpies.
Magpies are common and widespread birds that have been a part of the United State’s landscape for centuries. However, and as we mentioned, they can have a reputation for being aggressive and territorial, especially around their nests. The good news is that there are many ways to get rid of magpies that don’t involve harming them.
Repellents
Using common bird repellents is some of the most effective ways to keep magpies and other birds away from your property. There are many different types of repellents that you can use to deter magpies from nesting in your garden or yard.
Some of the most popular repellents include products that don’t contain any harsh chemicals and will not harm people, pets, the environment, or even the magpie. This is great news all around and we will list some of our favorite magpie repellents for how to get rid of magpies further down.
Predators
Another type of natural repellent you might use for how to get rid of magpies includes inviting their predators to your property. Introducing magpie predators can help to scare off the magpies and other annoying birds. One of the best predators that work well for how to get rid of Magpies is a cat. You can also try introducing some other predator species such as dogs, foxes, snakes, hawks, and even owls.
Home Remedies
There are many home remedies that people use against magpies and they often work very well. One of the most common home remedies is human hair which has been proven very effective at keeping magpies away from certain areas.
This is because human hair actually creates an uncomfortable feeling for Magpies when they see it blowing in the wind. Of course, there are several other home remedies that can help repel and remove magpies. If you are interested in this form of do-it-yourself-pest control, scroll down to our home remedies section below.
Professionals
For the most part, working on how to get rid of magpies is doable on your own. However, if you are still having problems after trying our below-listed methods, or if you feel like your situation is out of control, then it may be time to call in professionals. Here are some ways to know when you should call a professional pest control expert for help on how to get rid of magpies:
1) When they start affecting your health or safety.
If a magpie problem on your property is causing you serious distress or making it difficult for you to relax and enjoy life in your yard or garden, then it might be time to call an exterminator. You should also consider calling if the birds are getting very aggressive towards people or pets.
2) When they start causing property damage.
If the birds are damaging your property by either destroying it when building nests or leaving their droppings everywhere, then it might be time to get rid of them permanently through professional services.
Of course, this is usually a last resort. There are plenty of steps you can take first for how to get rid of magpies, starting with using some quality products.
Keep reading!
Best Products For How To Get Rid Of Magpies
Magpies often return to their nests year after year.
Magpies can certainly be a nuisance. But luckily there are a number of different types of products available on the market that can be used to repel magpies from your yard or garden.
These products include:
Scarecrows
Scarecrows and predator decoys can work very well when it comes to how to get rid of magpies as the birds often cannot tell the difference between a real person or predator and a scarecrow or predator decoy.
Repellent Sprays
Repellent sprays containing predator urine or even other ingredients like strong essential oils or ammonia can help you to repel magpies from your property. However, these sprays will need to be reapplied after rain or watering. This can make using sprays somewhat of a nuisance.
Motion Activated Sprinklers
These sprinklers will scare away magpies by spraying water at them when they come near your property. Many sprinklers have sensors that detect movement up to 30 feet away and then spray water when the magpie comes within range.
Motion-activated sprinklers can also help repel other annoying pests like raccoons, squirrels, deer, and rabbits.
One of the best things about motion-activated sprinkler devices is that they’re completely automatic, so if you’re not home when they activate, there’s no need to worry about having to turn them off. They’ll just go off by themselves!
Ultrasonic Sound Devices
Ultrasonic sound devices use high-frequency sounds that humans cannot hear but animals can. The sound is uncomfortable for animals like magpies and will drive them away from certain areas in your yard. These devices are often battery or solar-powered so they can be placed anywhere without the need for electricity or an outlet nearby. They also provide protection from larger pests such as raccoons and squirrels too!
Not sure which products would be best for you when it comes to how to get rid of magpies? Below are some of the top-rated products for magpie removal for you to consider.
Natural Armor Animal and Rodent Repellent Spray
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If you have been trying to get rid of these magpies without success, you might consider using Natural Armor Animal and Rodent Repellent Spray.
This product is designed specifically for animals and rodents but it also works well on other types of pests such as magpies, raccoons, pigeons, and squirrels. The best part about this product is that it does not contain any chemicals so there are no harmful side effects for humans or pets when used properly.
To use Natural Armor Animal Repellent Spray correctly, you need to apply it directly onto an area where the magpie is most likely to try to nest or where they have shown activity, (for example in your garden if you have caught them eating seeds, fruits, or vegetables).
CLEANRTH Industrial Electronic Pest Repelling System
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CLEANRTH Industrial Electronic Pest Repelling System is a great way to keep birds like magpies out of your yard. The ultrasonic sound is harmless to humans but extremely irritating for birds. It creates an unpleasant environment that will make magpies want to stay away. Best of all, this product is completely safe for children, pets, and other wildlife. You can use it anywhere you have a problem with magpies or want to know how to get rid of magpies such as around your yard and near your garden.
The ultrasonic sound waves emitted by this system are inaudible to humans and other mammals, but they can be heard by pests like magpies.
Birds don’t like the high-frequency sounds and will move away from the area where it’s being emitted so they don’t have to hear them any longer. This means you can use it safely around your home without having to worry about harming yourself or others.
Bird-X Bird Stop 1-Gallon Bird Deterrent
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Another product you might consider for how to get rid of magpies is Bird-X Bird Deterrent. This product is one of the most effective products for repelling magpies around your home or business property.
Bird-X Bird Stop 1-Gallon Bird Deterrent uses an odorless liquid that contains natural ingredients such as garlic oil and hot peppers to repel unwanted pests like magpies from nesting near your property.
The liquid is sprayed on the foliage around your home or business for how to get rid of magpies and in order to keep them away from eating the plants, you have growing in your garden. You can also spray the liquid on topsoil around flower beds or gardens so they won’t eat any flowers or vegetables you may want to grow there in the future!
Bird Barrier Optical Gel
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Bird Barrier Optical Gel is a non-toxic, non-lethal bird repellent that can be used for how to get rid of magpies. The gel has a colorless and odorless formula that is easily absorbed by the bird’s feet and feathers.
Products such as Bird Barrier Optical Gel are not only effective at repelling birds, but they are also safe for humans, animals, and plants. Apply the gel to any area you want to protect including trees, hedges, or buildings. The gel will dry within minutes, leaving no trace behind once it has been applied.
Once applied, Magpies will be deterred from your property because they will not want to walk through an area that causes them discomfort.
Bird-X Scare Eye Bird Repellent Balloons
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Bird-X Scare Eye Bird Repellent Balloons are bright orange and yellow balloons that can be hung anywhere to repel birds like magpies.
These balloons are designed for hanging on trees or poles around the house, deck, or garage, as well as any other outdoor areas that you’d like to keep bird-free.
The balloons come with a long string so that you can hang them up high where birds are most likely to be around, but also have hooks on the bottom so that you can attach them to fences or poles as needed.
As well as being great at keeping magpies away, these balloons will also deter other birds such as sparrows, pigeons, woodpeckers, starlings, and more from entering your yard or garden.
Best Products To Keep Magpies From Coming Back
It’s important to use deterrents to keep magpies from returning.
Once you get rid of magpies, how do you keep magpies from coming back around your property? Well, there are several ways to prevent magpies from returning to an area. They include:
Removing food sources and water sources.
Most magpies feed on insects, nuts, seeds, and berries. If you provide these foods in your yard, you will attract other birds that may be competitors for the food, which includes magpies. Remove bird feeders, bird baths, and any other sources of water in your yard. If you have fruit trees or berry bushes, remove these as well because they can attract other birds besides magpies.
Storing garbage and excess food sources properly.
Keeping garbage cans covered tightly will also prevent other birds from coming into your yard. Magpies prefer eating garbage over anything else so keeping garbage cans covered will keep them away from your yard.
Use quality deterrents
While the above methods and products are great for how to get rid of magpies, none of them will work to permanently solve the problem. It’s important to use quality deterrents that not only remove Magpies but keep them from coming back around again.
Below are a few deterrent products you can use for not only how to get rid of magpies, but also for how to keep them from returning.
Ruolan Plastic Owl Decoy
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Ruolan Plastic Owl Decoy is a great way to keep birds like magpies away from your garden. In fact, this is an effective product for protecting your garden from all types of wild birds, not just magpies. This plastic owl decoy can be placed in any corner of your garden or lawn and will keep the birds out of your area.
To use this decoy most effectively, place the owl decoy in an open area where you have noticed bird activity. You can also use more than one owl decoy in different parts of your garden if there are a number of birds around, but remember that they are most effective when they are used strategically and placed strategically around your yard or garden.
Hausse Solar Powered Owl Decoy
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Wondering how to get rid of magpies using the above Hause Solar-powered Owl Decoy? This owl decoy is a great way to scare away magpies, crows, and other nuisance birds from your yard.
The Hausse Solar Powered Owl Decoy works by mimicking the movement of real owls. When the sun goes down, the solar panel charges up the battery which powers two motors inside the owl’s wings and head. This causes the owl to move slightly in different directions while making soft noises like an owl. The sound and motion will scare off most nuisance birds because they will think an actual owl is nearby!
To use this product, you will need some batteries for the solar panel that comes with this decoy, so make sure to order some before buying it.
Exterminator’s Choice Coyote Urine
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Exterminator’s Choice Coyote Urine is another effective method you can use to keep magpies from coming back around. The trick is to use the product in a way that doesn’t attract attention from other pests such as feral cats or foxes.
The best way to do this is to spray some urine on the ground and around your yard, but not directly on plants or trees. Magpies are deterred by the scent, and other pests aren’t too keen on it either.
The best time to apply coyote urine is during mating season (February-March), which is when magpie numbers are at their highest.
Coyote Urine is also useful for keeping other pests and small rodents away from fruit trees and vegetable gardens during the summer months.
Best Do-It-Yourself Methods For How To Get Rid Of Magpies
There are several methods you can use to get rid of magpies on your own quickly.
If you’re having trouble with magpies but you’re in a pinch or on a budget, there are several do-it-yourself methods you can use to get rid of them!
Take a look!
- Hang shiny objects around the perimeter of your home or yard. A recent study shows that Magpies actually fear shiny things as opposed to being attracted to them, so they will stay away from areas with shiny objects. You can hang aluminum pie plates on strings or dangle CDs from trees and poles around your property line.
- Play loud music through speakers placed near problem areas where magpies congregate or nest. The loud noise will keep them away because they don’t like loud noises or music playing at high volumes! Of course, this method is only a good idea if you have very understanding neighbors.
- Spray an ammonia-based solution like Windex on any surface where magpies land (roosting sites). This will deter them from returning to that spot again. Be sure not to spray children or pets while using this method because it can be harmful if inhaled or ingested by either person or animal.
- Tape trash bags to trees, fences, or poles nearby. Allow enough give that the wind can blow the bags to create a deterrent for the birds. You can also hang flags in areas where magpies are active to deter them.
Getting Rid Of Magpies For Good – Experts Weigh In!
Magpies are difficult to manage, but there is plenty you can do to repel them.
Magpies are known for their cunning and intelligence, but that doesn’t mean you can’t outsmart them. You can prevent magpies from coming back by using quality deterrents that not only remove Magpies but keep them from coming back.
Magpie control is an important part of pest control as they can cause a lot of damage to your property and health.
Here are some ways you can prevent Magpies from coming back or becoming a problem again in the future.
- First, don’t feed the birds; they just become more dependent on handouts and increase the risk of disease transmission.
- Make sure you keep your garden clean of rubbish and food scraps; these attract magpies and other predators like foxes.
- Don’t leave your pet’s food outside overnight; this attracts magpies and other predators looking for easy pickings.
- Cover plants with netting or bird-tolerant plants such as lavender or herbs such as basil or rosemary if there is no other option; these plants don’t suit magpie tastes or nesting preferences.
- Consider installing netting around your garden and fruit trees – this will stop the birds from accessing your fruit trees and vegetable gardens where they like to eat the ripening fruit. Netting is also effective against other birds such as pigeons and sparrows as it has a small mesh size so they cannot get through it.
- Remove old nesting sites. Remember, a good majority of magpies will return to the same area again and again to nest. If you see abandoned magpie nests, get rid of them quickly.
So, what do you think about how to get rid of magpies? Have you ever tried any of our above methods? Share your thoughts with us on how to get rid of magpies in the comment section below.
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.