Rat Infestation At McDonald's In Pierce County: Health Officials

PARKLAND, WA - A McDonald's location along Pacific Avenue was closed over the weekend after health officials found a rat infestation. This is only the third Pierce County restaurant to be closed due to an infestation over the past decade, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

The McDonald's at 11012 Pacific Ave. (the one just off SR 512) closed Sunday and will remain closed until the infestation is under control. Although rare, pests like rats and mice are everywhere - in homes, workplaces, parks, and even restaurants.

But that doesn't mean it's OK, health officials say.

"The truth is rodents and pests are in the environment. We can’t expect all spaces to be completely free of an occasional pest or two. But food service establishments are responsible for keeping them out, which means they typically work with a pest control company regularly," TPCHD community relations manager Edie Jeffers wrote in a blog post.

Curious about restaurant health and safety? The TPCHD maintains a searchable database of restaurant inspections in the county.

Image via Google Maps