Old Bellevue is fighting a new battle with rats.
A Bellevue resident drove through the parking lot at Bellevue Way and Main Street and saw about 30 rats staring back at him from the dumpster area behind the Jack in the Box restaurant. He reported it to the health department. They were so big he described them as "kitten-sized."
The Public Health Seattle and King County sent an inspector to investigate.
The inspector spoke with Jack in the Box management and the company's pest control company. In the last few months, 60 rats have been caught in the traps.
The health department says the problem is on the hillside behind the Jack in the Box and the 7-Eleven. There are holes where the rats live, and the property is not owned by the businesses. The easement is covered in bushes and has dirt where the rats can burrow.
Jack in the Box management said the rat problem recently spiked so they increased their rat abatement programs.
Jack in the Box is now pressure
washing the area around its dumpsters. They have a brand new dumpster they hope will keep rats out.
The 7-Eleven is new
--
it moved in last December. The building manager has increased pest control.
KIRO-7 checked with the City of Bellevue about the hillside and was told staff is still researching who owns the property. If it is a city right of way the city will work with the health department and nearby businesses to find a solution.
The health department will follow-up with the businesses.