In Jainism, ahimsa (non-violence) is the highest principle. This applies to all living beings, big and small, including mosquitoes. Killing insects is generally considered a form of violence and creates karma.

Key points to keep in mind:

• Mosquitoes are living souls (jiva) undergoing a cycle of birth and death. Causing their death is a negative action unless done with great necessity.
• The preferred approach is to avoid harming them by non-lethal means: use nets, screens, fans, repellents, and other preventive methods rather than killing.
• If there is a real and imminent threat to human life (for example, areas with dangerous diseases), Jain teachers emphasize minimizing harm as much as possible and using the least violent means available. The emphasis remains on reducing harm overall, not on indiscriminately killing insects.

Differences between Digambara and Śvetāmbara:

• Both traditions uphold non-violence as central. There are varying details in ritual practice and interpretation, but there is no broad, explicit credential to routinely kill mosquitoes in either tradition. The spirit in both is to avoid causing unnecessary harm and to protect life through prudent, non-lethal measures wherever feasible.

Practical guidance you can follow:

• Use protective nets, screens, and clothing to avoid bites.
• Employ non-lethal repellents and maintain clean surroundings to reduce mosquito breeding.
• If you must deal with mosquitoes, do so with the least possible harm and avoid deliberate killing when alternatives exist.

If you’d like, I can share more about how Jain texts describe ahimsa in everyday life and handling pests, or point you to specific Jain scriptures or stotras that discuss non-violence toward all beings.