With the invasion of the Spotted Lantern Fly, the expression “ I wouldn’t harm a fly!” is being turned on its head.
I am one who, literally, wouldn’t harm a fly. Routinely I’ll capture a bug or spider in the house and release it outside.
With the first news of the invasion of the Spotted Lantern Fly in our area and the potential devastation caused by it, the official edict was to kill them on sight. Although I’m not sure whether my stomping on a few would make a difference, the description of how they destroy plants and trees deputized me to fight back against the invasion.
So, “I wouldn’t harm fly” has its exception.