Is it sin to kill animals in order to protect my food and house from being destroyed by them?

[An online spiritual discussion was conducted on March 20, 2021, in which several devotees participated. The questions of devotees answered by Swāmi are given below.]

[Śrī Tinku asked: Is it sin to kill animals for the sake of protecting my food and house? For example, ants and some other insects eat the doors of the house and make holes in the house. Rats eat the food in house or grocery shops.]

Swāmi replied: Before killing any such animals, you should try alternative methods of defence. Offence should be the last resort.