Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. Clemson Extension Agent Vicky Bertagnolli is one of our fire ant specialists. If you search SCETV video fire ants (two words) you’ll find a segment where Vicky explains how to use bait products to safely control these potentially life-threatening pests. A bait is a combination of a slow-acting stomach poison and ground corn cobs and soybean oil. This is a perfect time of the year to apply freshly-purchased bait – the bait must be fresh or the ants won’t pick it up) and start having a relatively ant-free yard for your family and your pets to enjoy. There are tips to making baits work for you – apply on sunny days with no rain forecast, and Vicky’s presentation gives you step by step instructions. You’ll find many good sites on fire ants if you search Clemson fire ants.