What is the ruling on killing ants and insects in Mecca?

The Shari'ah forbids killing ants absolutely, unless their harm is proven and there is no way to get rid of them except by killing. Insects are divided into three categories:

1. Those commanded by the Shari'ah to be killed: These are killed in both permissible and sacred areas, such as mice and scorpions. 2. Those forbidden by the Shari'ah from being killed: These are not killed in either permissible or sacred areas unless they cause harm. Defense against them should be by the easiest means, then the next easiest. If they cannot be repelled except by killing, then they may be killed, such as ants and bees. 3. Those about which the Shari'ah is silent: It is permissible to kill them, but leaving them is preferable, such as beetles.