It turns out there is a strange but simple way to make use of your old CDs whilst tackling a common gardening problem
Your old CDs could become of use in your garden(Image: Getty)
Households in the UK are being told not to bin their old CDs and instead hang them in their garden as a way to deter magpies. If your garden is being plagued by crafty magpies swooping in and pinching your belongings, experts suggest hanging up CDs.
Renowned for their slyness and theft, in certain instances when they feel threatened, magpies are even known to dive down on unsuspecting humans and peck at their necks.
They can also be a gardener’s nightmare, as they enjoy eating fruits and vegetables, uprooting plants, and yanking out nest boxes.
Beyond creating a mess, this can also generate a lot of noise.
This hack can deter magpies away from your garden(Image: Getty Images)
They are even notorious bullies amongst birds. This is because they harass robins and other songbirds, discouraging them from visiting your garden, reports the Mirror.
Unsurprisingly, many bird enthusiasts regard them as invasive pests. In an attempt to eliminate them, it’s common to set traps and even use poison with the aim of reducing their numbers.
However, it’s crucial to remember that magpies are protected under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), which was established to safeguard Britain’s wildlife from intentional harm under penalty of law.
This means it is illegal to move, damage, or destroy the nest or egg of any wild bird, regardless of whether the nest is in the process of being built or whether it is already completed.
If you’ve got magpies nesting in your garden, you’re not allowed to get rid of them by force, but you can discourage them from flying over for an uninvited snack.
Magpies can be a nuisance in your garden (Image: Getty Images)
Experts say that reflective items are your best bet to deter these bothersome birds.
Wildlife gurus from Huck advise: “Magpies are startled by light reflections, and this can be an effective method in helping to keep them out of your garden.
“There are a couple of ways that you can do this. Firstly, old CDs are great at catching and reflecting light, so if you have any, hang them up around your garden at intervals.”
For those without any old CDs, the specialists suggest getting bird tape from a local garden centre or online.
This kind of reflective tape works like the CDs when placed in strategic spots in your garden.