The Four Pests Campaign: A Cautionary Tale

This chapter examines the Four Pests Campaign launched in communist China, aimed at eradicating pests like rats, mosquitoes, flies, and sparrows. It discusses the catastrophic consequences of the campaign, rooted in the ambitious goals of the Great Leap Forward, and reflects on the cultural and public health implications of such extreme measures. Through historical insights and humorous anecdotes, the chapter illustrates the complexities of pest control and human interaction with nature during a transformative period in China's history.