Catching a Mosquito About to Bite on Shabbat
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Question
A mosquito that has already landed on a person and typically does so to bite but has not yet bitten, and it cannot be shaken off, is it permissible on Shabbat to catch it and throw it away to prevent it from biting? (According to the author in Siman 316:9, who wrote: "A flea may not be caught unless it is on the flesh and biting," as explained in Beit Yosef, who ruled according to the early authorities permitting its capture only if it bites). In this case, since it is clear that it will bite, is it permissible to catch it and remove it even before it bites?
Answer
Shalom and blessings,
It is permissible to catch and throw it away.
As Sha'ar HaTziyun (Siman 316:63) wrote based on the Aruch HaShulchan, if the mosquito is on the body, even if it has not yet bitten, one can rely on those who permit catching it.