{
  "id": 7701898,
  "title": "Fluorescent Spray May Prevent Reproduction of Harmful Beetles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/fluorescent-spray-may-prevent-reproduction-of-harmful-beetles",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T04:13:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun",
    "slug": "the-japan-news-by-the-yomiuri-shimbun",
    "url": "https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20260916-348957/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A research center in Tochigi Prefecture discovered that a commercially available fluorescent spray can effectively prevent the reproduction of red-necked longhorn beetles, an invasive species that damages trees. These beetles were first detected in Ashikaga City and Sano City in 2017, leading to a significant increase in damage to cherry and peach trees in parks and residential areas. In 2021, there were 979 confirmed cases of tree damage, which escalated to 2,860 cases across 17 cities and towns in 2025.\n\nThe Tochigi prefectural agricultural research center began monitoring the number of eggs laid by the beetles after applying the spray in 2022. Tests revealed that spraying the beetles' branches with commercially available fluorescent spray, particularly in the color yellow, blocked about 90% of egg-laying. The researchers believe that the beetles might have avoided the treated areas, mistaking the fluorescent yellow for sunlight and considering it unsuitable for laying eggs.\n\nOutdoor experiments in Sano City further confirmed the spray's effectiveness, showing a 90% decrease in eggs on sprayed peach trees compared to unsprayed ones. This prevention persisted up until 2026, when the experiment reported that about 70% of egg-laying was still prevented. The research official expressed hope that this approach could be used to prevent beetle damage using readily available commercial products.",
  "summary": "A Tochigi prefectural research center found that commercially available fluorescent spray can prevent the reproduction of red-necked longhorn beetles, an invasive species that devours the insides of trees, including cherry and peach trees.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}