Carpenter Ant

Natural Habitat

Damp or decaying wood, forest floors, and structural timber within buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; they eat protein-based food like insects and sugar-based sources like honeydew and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

They are social insects that establish colonies by excavating wood galleries. Unlike termites, they do not eat the wood, but hollow it out for nesting.

Risks & Benefits

Structural risk: They can weaken wooden building components over time. Ecological benefit: They aid in the decomposition of dead trees and serve as a food source for other wildlife.

Identified on: 4/3/2026