Can You Step on Ants or Kill a Wasp on Shabbat?

If someone is walking outside on Shabbat and sees ants crawling in front of them, is it okay to step on them?

According to halacha (Jewish law), it is generally forbidden to step on ants while walking, as killing them on Shabbat is not allowed. However, if there’s no other path to take, meaning there’s no way to avoid stepping on them then it is permitted to walk forward, even if some ants might be stepped on in the process. This is allowed because the person's intention is simply to walk, not to kill the ants. This ruling is based on Chazon Ovadia.

What if a wasp or bee is flying around inside a home where there’s a baby?

In this case, halacha allows for the wasp or bee to be killed, even on Shabbat, in order to protect the baby. Since there is a real concern for the baby’s safety, and wasp stings can be dangerous, this action is considered necessary and permitted. This ruling is also found in Chazon Ovadia.

These practical rulings help us stay true to the values of Shabbat while also protecting our safety and the well-being of others. Learning how to navigate these small but real-life moments brings more meaning to our observance.