A rat infestation strikes residents of a social housing project in the Bronx

CLAREMONT, Bronx –

Residents of a Bronx social housing complex are plagued by an infestation of rats and at least one child has been bitten.

The rats have virtually stormed the Claremont homes.

Residents said the pests appeared at any time but the situation was worse at night.

"I was lying in my bed and I woke up scraping the walls and the sound became very loud," said a resident of the complex.

Just about everyone in the project has images and stories of infestation of rats.

The 12-month-old son of Asia Clemente was bitten by a rat and said the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) had done nothing.

"They did not come and did not go to my apartment until the doctors in the hospital told them about their illness and threatened to help them sue them for the condition in their home. which lives my son, "she said.

The problem of rats started in the yard where children play and adults gather.

The residents did not want to be there at night. However, they thought they were safe at home. But not anymore.

"We should not have to live like this in this type of conditions," said one of the residents of the building.

The workers showed up Monday to close the holes in the walls and spray chemicals in safe places.

"What's that, four people for 60 flats … what are you going to fix?" said another resident.

In a statement released on Monday, NYCHA admitted the problem, saying "our residents should not be forced to live in these conditions, we apologize to our residents and will continue to monitor this situation closely."