Buzz
Over a decade ago, we shared a short article about an unusual trick: Using a children’s bubble machine to supposedly deter mosquitoes. Recently, this idea has resurfaced and is gaining popularity on TikTok. But is there any truth to it?
Snopes, for instance, remains uncertain. They argue there’s no scientific basis to suggest it should work, and I somewhat agree. Public health guidelines don’t include bubble machines in their mosquito prevention advice, for one. Additionally, soap doesn’t possess any unique properties to repel mosquitoes; Snopes was quite clear on that point. However, I believe the secret lies in the fan. Every bubble machine relies on a fan as its core component.
For those unfamiliar, these devices are essentially automated versions of the classic bubble wand and soap solution. A small fan generates airflow, while a rotating set of wands dips into the soapy mixture and moves in front of the fan. (It’s reminiscent of a quirky contraption from a cartoon, but it actually functions.)
If you position yourself directly in front of the bubble machine, you’ll likely be showered with bubbles while also experiencing a soft breeze. While I’m skeptical this offers substantial defense against mosquito bites, it does lend a sliver of credibility. If I were to wager, I’d bet a bubble machine outperforms a citronella candle, which I find to be largely ineffective.
Fans are effective because mosquitoes struggle in windy conditions. They not only find it difficult to fly against the wind but also depend on scent to locate their targets (us). This process is most efficient when we’re enveloped in our own clouds of carbon dioxide and body odor. A robust breeze scatters these clouds, making it harder for mosquitoes to detect us and reach us.
I won’t be testing a bubble machine on my porch to count mosquito bites (especially since the local mosquito population appears to be dwindling for the season), but I imagine it might offer some level of protection. However, you’d need to sit directly in the bubble stream to reap any benefits. At that point, you might as well skip the bubble solution and simply use the fan on its own.
Ultimately, the airflow from a bubble machine pales in comparison to the strength of a decent box fan. As we’ve highlighted before (with more scientific backing than the bubble machine theory), a box fan combined with an EPA-approved mosquito repellent is the most reliable way to keep bugs at bay while you relax with a drink on a warm summer evening.
