1. We learned earlier this week that one may not kill a flea, mosquito, or other flying insect in ordinary circumstances when no significant harm or danger is expected. However, where an insect poses a genuine risk of serious harm or danger, such as when mosquitoes may transmit West Nile virus or another potentially fatal disease, there may be grounds to permit killing it (see Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 316:10, regarding creatures that pose a danger to life).

2. One may kill a bee, wasp, or similar insect if someone nearby is allergic to its sting and the sting could cause serious harm or endanger that person. When there is no concern that anyone nearby could suffer an allergic reaction, many poskim hold that one may not kill bees, wasps, or similar insects, even if they are chasing someone. According to this opinion, they are treated like fleas and mosquitoes, which one may not kill merely because they cause discomfort (R. Shlomo Zalman Auerbach). However, some authorities consider the threat of being stung sufficiently serious to permit killing such an insect if it is chasing someone and there is a concern that it may sting (R. Karelitz, cited in Dirshu Mishnah Berurah, siman 316).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.