My own answer is through rational empathy. You might not think much of small annoying insect, but it is still orders of magnitude more complex than anything hum

My own answer is through rational empathy. You might not think much of small annoying insect, but it is still orders of magnitude more complex than anything humanity has ever built. Destroying such marvelous system just for target practice feels like being a dick, and I refrain from it. It is a hard ethical dilemma and any line you draw will be arbitrary. Some people hunt rhinos, some catch fish or shoot birds as past-time, while others get sense of satisfaction from gunning down insects. I still condone pest control, but I draw the line at reasons like "for fun", or "because I'm bored", or "to feel more powerful". The intention/reason is important, because it affects the future. If you do it for fun, you have no reason to ever stop or to consider alternatives once they are made possible. To answer another post, I think killing in video games is completely OK and something I often enjoy doing. I'm also enjoying the tone you've set for discussion and I'd like to hear your personal views.