Mao Zedong (1893-1976) disliked pests. Rats, bed bugs, and flies (not to mention as many as 30 million people who got in his way) were, at various times, the focus of Chairman […]
Chairman Mao’s Disastrous War Against Sparrows
A Rat-Infested Night for the Sage of Monticello
Among Thomas Jefferson’s many accomplishments was the brilliant design of his home, Monticello. Visitors to the colonial mansion cannot help but be impressed by the beauty, attention to detail, and intentional designs […]
Taking a Bat to Library Pests
Librarians have long fought against three primary antagonists: people who talk too loudly, those who do not return their books on time, and book-eating bugs. Stern words and fines can take care […]
The Pharoah, Flies, and Honey
Egyptian Pharaoh Pepi II (2284 BC – c. 2216 BC) had an extreme dislike of flies and an ingenious way of dealing with the problem. He would cover servants with honey and use […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 