This photo posted on social media shows a close-up look at some of the live roaches crawling on a problem rental property in Moundsville. The city is seeking legal action against the owner to have at least two properties condemned. (Photo Provided)

MOUNDSVILLE — Rental properties that are experiencing cockroach and rat infestations on Center, Cedar and Cypress streets are being investigated by Moundsville city and Marshall County officials.

Residents who live near the properties have taken to social media in the past few days, complaining about thousands of cockroaches coming out of the properties and onto their own yards.

One resident posted on social media several photos and videos of dead rats and thousands of living roaches crawling all over the exterior of one of the problem properties. In one of the photos a person wearing a hazmat-type suit can be seen entering one of the properties.

Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy on Friday said the city is cognizant of the matter.

“The city is aware of the situation, has taken action and the process is ongoing,” he said “Further legal action is being pursued. … Currently this is the only statement I will make.”

Marshall County Prosecutor Joe Canestraro on Friday, speaking on behalf of the Marshall County Health Department, said the health department’s sanitarians went with city officials to observe and report on two of the problem properties. The city of Moundsville, he noted, is in the process of having the properties condemned.

“The health department is aware of the situation and its position is that it can observe, document and testify as a witness in a case filed in Circuit Court,” he said. “At this point, the city has plenary authority to file condemnations in circuit court.”

Canestraro said two of nine properties have been inspected. He noted the legal process could take about a month. He believes some of the properties may still be occupied.