Prohibition of Chastisement with Fire
Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم in a journey when he drew apart (to relieve nature). In his absence, we saw a red bird which had two young ones with it. We caught them and the red mother bird came, beating the earth with its wings. In the meantime the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم returned and said, "Who has put this bird to distress on account of its young? Return them to her.'' He صلى الله عليه وسلم also noticed a mound of ants which we had burnt up. He asked, "Who has set fire to this?'' We replied: "We have done so.'' He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "None can chastise with fire except the Rubb of the fire.''
[Abu Dawud].
Commentary: To catch nestlings of a bird and torment them or to burn the holes of insects along with their inmates is forbidden. One can, however, burn their vacant holes.