Not actually, bubbles don’t keep mosquitoes away. We are pretty sure that you might have heard somewhere about the idea or life hack of using bubble machine to keep mosquitoes away. This is what few people has to say, but experts have found that its not the bubbles actually, its the fan that blows air with soap bubbles to move them in the air.
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Viral Statement: “Bubbles keep mosquitoes away”
In theory, people apply logic with ideas like that the bubbles are made of soap water and a small quantity of glycerin in water, and when they are blown from a bubble machine it pops out with a mist of soapy water. This mist of soapy water and other chemicals act as a mosquito repellent.
This creates a physical barrier which is accompanied by strong movements of bubbles and the noise from the machine, helps in keeping mosquitoes away. So, the statement “bubbles keep mosquitoes away”, is not completely true as justified in the truth section below.
But does this theory of “Using bubbles to keep mosquitoes away” actually works?
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The Truth: “No. Bubbles don’t keep mosquitoes away”
Bubbles are not the actual mosquito deterrent, it’s the fans that causes high speed air and strong movements of bubbles that disrupts their ability to sense the local hosts like humans and animals. And since, the bubbles and mist produced along makes it difficult for the mosquitoes to navigate and find the hosts. So, they avoid areas with bubbles.
The mosquitoes are very weak and small and so cannot navigate with the strong currents of wind blown with the soap bubble machine and may get pushed away with the bubbles. This is not very effective, but for very weak and small mosquitoes this may work to some extent.
Do Bubbles can be used as Mosquito repellent
There is no evidence to justify the statement, but people on social media like Facebook and reddit have claimed that blowing bubbles in the yard have reduce the number of mosquito bites.
Also, some people have not notice any positive change or effectiveness of this idea of using bubbles to keep mosquitoes away. This can be due to various factors that may vary from place to place.
For example, the actual number of mosquitoes present in the area, the soap solution used for bubbles, the size of the bubbles, and the blowing speed of the fans.
Do bubble machines repel mosquitoes?
Yes, to some extent bubble machines can repel mosquitoes. This is mainly because of high air force exerted from fans along with the bubbles. This disturbs the navigation and air flight of mosquitoes and so, they unable to fly around. This repulsion is temporary or only for a short time as long as the bubble machine is running, hence not a reliable method.
However, we can use multiple bubble machines that will blow air from different directions and make impossible for the mosquitoes to navigate around. This may give complete protection for at least couple of hours specially for celebration events like birthdays, engagement parties, family get togethers, etc.
Can we use Bubbles to keep mosquitoes away effectively
Yes. To some extent we can improvise upon the idea and logic behind the use of bubble machines as a mosquito repellent. We can apply some improvements and addons and set some conditions to make it usable and more effective.
We can use natural oils well known as mosquito repellents like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, etc. within the soap bubble solution. We can simply add a small quantity of any of these essential oils to regular bubble mix solutions available in market.
We can also, use a combination of different mosquito repellants and control methods together, to get better results. We can use citronella candles and burning coffee grounds for mosquitoes, or even wear mosquito repellent outfits, that will give overall better and effective result.
It’s been proved that bubbles alone won’t be enough to keep all mosquitoes away. But, since it’s a fun part we can enjoy together in our backyard or garden along with some mosquito control effect.
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Factors affecting the effectiveness of Soap Bubble method for deterring mosquitoes
There are certain point of considerations and factors that may affect the effectiveness of the idea of using bubbles as mosquito repellent, as given in table below:
| Factors/Considerations | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Impact of Bubble size and quantity | The size and quantity of bubbles greatly affects the effectiveness of this method. |
| 2. | Chemicals/Additives used in Bubble solutions | Different chemicals and addons like natural repellents and fragrances may improve the effectiveness as a mosquito repellent. |
| 3. | Environmental factors | Environmental factors like humidity, temperature, sunlight, wind, surrounding plants and trees, damp and marshy areas, etc. could affect bubble stability and mosquito population. |
| 4. | Potential harm to other insects | Some useful insects responsible for cross-pollination may get harmed unknowingly. |
| 5. | Cost of Running (Practical Implementation) | The cost of running bubble machines, refilling solutions, electricity and batteries, may discourage users who may look for cheaper alternatives. |
| 6. | Safety/Protection for longer periods | It is clear that the bubbles don’t give a long lasting effect for longer periods. |
| 7. | Efficiency as a Mosquito repellent | This method is not a proven method and its efficiency is not up to the mark. It should be used in conjunction with other commercial or natural known mosquito repellents. |
| 8. | User Expectations | User should be aware of its actual effectiveness and should have idea that its not a standalone option against mosquitoes. |
| 9. | Marketing myths | People may market their products with claims that exaggerate the effectiveness of bubble machines as mosquito repellents |
| 10. | Children’s point of view | Children find it as a fun element and may dislike other traditional methods of using sprays and skin lotions etc. |
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Limitations of using the combination of bubbles and other control methods
- Although the bubbles are harmless and a fun part, but these are not long lasting. So, you need to blow bubbles continuously to keep the idea working. Which makes this not practical for longer outdoor events.
- Also, many bubble mix solutions are not completely safe for the environment, animals, and also for our skin, as they may contain harsh chemicals.
- At last, the use of bubbles may not be effective to a greater extent. And so, we have to rely on other proven methods for repelling mosquitoes. This is not a reliable way of mosquito control.
Final Thoughts
So, do bubbles keep mosquitoes away? The short answer is NO. But yes it can be effectively used with other methods and proper strategy that can improve its effectiveness. Thus, to ensure complete protection, you may need to use proper well-known mosquito repellents along with bubbles to repel mosquitoes.
Using bubbles for mosquitoes is not any lifehack, which should be acknowledged. So the statement, “Bubbles can keep mosquitoes away”, is not completely false but a misleading one that going viral over internet.
It can be just one of the tool to add fun along the battle against mosquitoes, specially when we are outdoors and playing around with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Do mosquitoes hate bubbles?
It’s not the bubbles that repel mosquitoes. It’s the fans that blows strong wind and mist along with bubbles that disrupts the navigation of mosquitoes. As a result, few weaker mosquitoes flee away from the area around bubbles.
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What is the best thing to to keep mosquitoes away?
Plant-based essential oils like clove, citronella, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, etc. are the most effective natural mosquito repellents that can be used to keep mosquitoes away.
