Trapping - Cockroaches Problem

Dear Chavura,

What is your answer to the question below?

Rabbi Dovid Ostroff


Dear Rabbi Ostroff,

A practical question: We get roaches in our apartment. I catch them in a plastic cup, and throw it outside (where it runs free). Is "catching and releasing" considered trapping (since for the minute until I carry it outside it is trapped), or is it similar to tying knots that are untied immediately are not considered tied (I have not gotten to those halachos yet, but I believe I learned that previously)? I am not worried about muktze because I believe it is roi shel graf (repulsive). If "catching and releasing" is considered trapping, would there still be a heter?

I imagine some of the considerations would be that it is not a hunted species, which would put the trapping of the roach as a d'rabbanan. In addition, the trapping is not for the sake of trapping (I do not want the roach, I want the roach outside), so that could put it as a melacha sh'aino tzricha l'gufo. Also, while it will likely not cause physical harm (though sanitary considerations may come into play for health), my wife is VERY unhappy when she sees one in the apartment.

Finally, would the roach be considered partially trapped since it is the apartment? For this last one, I would think that is not true since it can escape (however it got in, it could leave), and I cannot always catch it with one lunge. I was not clear enough on what would be considered trapped (e.g.a bird trapped in a big house).

Thank you,

Tzvi