MEV Spam Bots Occupy 40% of Solana Blockspace, Neutralizing 11% of Scaling Gains

Flashbots, a prominent research entity in the blockchain space, has recently highlighted the significant impact of MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) spam bots on the Solana and Ethereum networks. According to their analysis, these bots occupy approximately 40% of Solana's blockspace, contributing only 7% of the total fees. This disparity raises serious concerns about the efficiency and scalability of these blockchain networks.

The presence of MEV spam bots is not only a financial drain but also a major disruption to the intended scaling benefits of these networks. Bert Miller, a researcher at Flashbots, has identified these spam bots as a growing issue that nullifies recent scaling gains designed to improve network throughput. This dominance by MEV bots affects market participants and increases network costs, making it a focal point for stakeholders advocating for solutions that can restore network efficacy.

Economically, the increased presence of MEV bots neutralizes the scaling advantages of blockchain networks, leading to heightened user transaction costs. This issue influences not only network efficiency but also broader crypto markets engaged in DeFi and trading. The current discourse on MEV impact underscores the need for innovative transaction management systems. Flashbots is actively discussing MEV auctions as a potential remedy, aimed at rebalancing network incentive structures and diminishing spam activities.

Miller elaborated on the specific data, stating that "Base boosted its throughput by 11 million gas per second, roughly the same as three Ethereum mainnets, only to see almost all of it absorbed by spam bots between November 2024 and February 2025." This highlights the urgent need for solutions to address the MEV spam issue and ensure that blockchain networks can scale effectively without being undermined by these activities.