Some Bronx residents on Aqueduct Avenue claim a vacant lot is attracting rats in the neighborhood.

The Baker family says the lot is filled with garbage, debris and tall weeds. The Bakers add that the unkempt appearance is an invitation to other neighbors to dump garbage. According to the Bakers, the owner of the property came last summer to clean up but hasn?t returned.

The Bakers contacted the city?s health department but claim they were unfairly fined for rat droppings as a result of the lot?s condition. The Department of Health says it fined the Bakers for having an environment conducive to rodents. However, the department adds a compliance inspection is scheduled and if corrections are made the Bakers won?t receive any fines.

Meanwhile, the Department of Sanitation says it is looking into the vacant lot matter.