Many Bronx and city residents try hard to get rid of rodents and insects in their apartments but the health department says the problems aren?t going away.

According to a health department report, approximately one in three households filed pest complaints in 2005. Health officials say that number is up about 50 percent from the year before. Residents have noticed that the rats and cockroaches seem to flock to the dirtiest and most run-down buildings.

Health officials are concerned about the health effects on residents living in poor conditions. They say some rodents carry diseases and may cause or exacerbate asthma symptoms.