ANSWERS:

Billy, age 19: When asking "Is it OK to kill bugs?" take the word "bugs" out of the question and you will find yourself with a more black and white decision to make. "Is it OK to kill?" Well, there has obviously been horrific war and tragedies that have happened where living things were killed, yet the killers found some way to justify their violent mortal sins. So depending on who you ask, I think you would get varying answers to that question. But folks interested in animal rights to any extent (I would imagine YOU are just because you are reading this), do not find it OK to kill. Vegetarians don't contribute to the killing of animals for food; vegans don't patronize industries that kill animals for their by-products; fruitarians won't kill ANYthing for food. One cannot judge the importance of life by the size of the body that contains it. There is a life contained in every zebra, manatee, nutrea, snake, bee, worm, mosquito and flea ever created. Swatting a mosquito is the same as shooting a hippopotamus as far as they are concerned. Flea-bombing a house is like the Nazi holocaust. XTreasure all lifeX.

Liz, age 22: That's totally up to you. Personally, I always try and "escort" them outside and I usually have someone else do it, if I can avoid killing it. However, if your home is being invaded by roaches or ants or whatnot, then you really don't have much of an alternative. My 2 cents.

Laura, age 16: I'd say avoid it if possible, but if one's trying to bite you (which can be dangerous and irritating), I say swat it. As long as you're not actively squashing bugs just for the sake of killing them, it's not a big deal. Fly paper and other sticky traps DO strike me, however, as inhumane, since they cause prolongued suffering, but things like fly spray or tick-killers on NON-FOOD animals make everyone's life easier. Consider some insect spray for yourself in order to prevnt having to kill bugs in the first place. Natural things like citronella keep bugs away without harsh chemicals. Ask a healthfood store, they'd probably carry something.

Matthew, age 26: The real issue here is the value of life. There is no real reason to kill a bug unless your life is in danger, which is a rare case. Even though we may not see it, all bugs serve a unique purpose in the ecosystem. We may have the ability to kill them, but does that mean we should? It's the same with the consumption of animals. We have the ability to raise them, slaughter them, and eat them, but it does not make it right. My guess is, that if you're asking if it is OK, you already know within yourself that it isnt. Best of luck!

Wolf, age 12: No, it is not okay to kill bugs. Bugs, like all but the very simplest of animals (sponges and a few others nobody's heard of), possess a nervous system and are thus able to feel. It's okay to kill a mosquito in self defense, but to smash an insect just for the heck of it is wrong. I've witnessed injured bugs, and they always writhe. Why else would they writhe if they weren't in agony?

Angie, age 17: No, it isn't. I usually try to capture them and put them outside my house.

Tiffany, age 18: That's all a matter of your personal choice. Some veggies will collect the bugs and set them outside and what not. I, honestly, have killed and do kill them most of the time. It's really whatever you're comfortable with.

Rachel, age 17: If its unacceptable to kill a cow or a chicken, than a consistent ethic stays that it's the same way for bugs. If they're outside, then there's really no reason to have to kill them. If they're in the house, why not take them outside? It only takes a little more effort than going to get the fly swatter or bug spray to kill them with. If you're too afraid of them to take them outside, try to ignore them. You could leave them just where they are and they'll disappear soon enough. Most are harmless anyway (some are even pleasant, like ladybugs).

I think the only time when its OK to kill them is when they are dangerous. Black widow spiders are the only ones I kill because they're very poisonous and likely to hide out in dark places where I'd reach without looking (I've only found two in my house so far though). Most other spiders I take outside, and the tiny ones I just ignore. Or if someone in your household is allergic to bees, its probably best to kill any that get inside. It might also be necessary to kill them if you can't leave them or take them outside, such as a major ant trail in the kitchen. However, there still might be alternatives. Prevent problems by making sure no food is left out. You can also use chalk to draw a circle around where they're getting in (ants won't cross a line of chalk). It's poison-free, so it won't kill them, just discourage them.

So basically it just takes a bit of common sense to know when to kill one and a little bit of nerve to deal with the ones you spare.

Vanessa, age 16: No, it's not OK to kill bugs. Just because they are small and sometimes bother us doesn't mean we have to kill them.

Back to the list of questions