Carpenter Ant Swarmer (Winged Alate)

Natural Habitat

Nests are typically found in moist or decaying wood, such as tree stumps, logs, or structural timbers in buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; they eat honeydew produced by aphids, nectar, insects, and sugary or protein-rich food scraps in homes.

Behavior Patterns

The winged individuals are 'reproductives' that leave the parent colony in 'nuptial flights' to mate and start new colonies. They are most active at night or during twilight.

Risks & Benefits

Structural risk: They can cause significant damage to wooden structures by excavating galleries to house their colonies. Benefit: Historically, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead and decaying wood.

Identified on: 4/16/2026