Question:
In the summer, at times big insects sometimes invade my house. A lot of times they get behind the oven. The most practical way to kill them is with cleaning spray as I can’t reach them. Even when I can I feel a bit disgusting to step on something that big. Is this permitted?
Answer:
It is permitted to kill household pests and insects that are annoying and bothersome. If it is possible to kill them in a way that they don’t have pain when getting killed that is preferred, however if you can’t then it is still permitted to kill them with the spray.
Best wishes
Sources:
Shailas Yaavetz 1-110, Igros Moshe CH:M 2-47(1), Minchas Shlomo 2-60 (28), Nefesh Kol Chai chap. 5-6,7, also see ftnt. 116 in the name of R’ Eliyashiv zt”l.
