Chapter 25
Dangerous Nuisances and Hazards to Health
INSECTS AND OTHER PESTS
1.a. One may, even on Shabbath and Yom Tov, kill an animal or insect which is a danger to human life.
1.b. Different animals and insects fall within this category which in different places and at different periods of time.
1.c. Subject to this qualification, the category could include
1) a mad dog.
2) a snake which may be venomous,
3) a scorpion (including the less dangerous black scorpion),
4) even a wasp, when in the vicinity of a child, and
5) specific types of insects where there is a risk that they may be the carriers of a dangerous disease.
1.d. One may kill an animal or insect of this kind
1) even if it is still far away from any human being,
2) even if it is not pursuing anyone and
3) even if it is in the process of escaping.
