Halachot and Customs
Is it permitted to kill insects?
Halacha about killing insects and atonement
Question
I wanted to know whether it is permitted to kill simple insects such as an ant, and if not, how can one atone for it?
Thank you very much!
Answer
Greetings,
In general, without any benefit, it is not permitted to kill insects, and one who has done so should repent fully. It is advisable to learn the laws of tzaar baalei chayim so that one will know what to be careful about and how to be careful from now on. However, if the insects are bothering you, it is permitted to kill them (see Mishnah Berurah, siman 433, se'if katan 20; Igrot Moshe, Choshen Mishpat, part 2, siman 47, ot 1; Teshuvot Vehanhagot, part 2, siman 526; Chazon Ovadia, laws of Yom Tov, page 188, s.v. vehineh; and Maaseh Ish, part 7, page 163). And there is one who wrote that, if possible, it is better not to kill them with one’s hands directly, but rather by placing something that will kill them, so that it should not influence a person to acquire a trait of cruelty in his soul (Igrot Moshe there, s.v. aval, and cited in Chazon Ovadia there. See also Sefer Rosh HaYeshivah - Toldot HaGr"sh Rozovsky zt"l, page 601).
With blessings, Hillel Meirs
