Black Carpenter Ant

Natural Habitat

Nests in damp or decaying wood, including tree stumps, logs, and structural timbers in homes.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; they eat honeydew, plant juices, and other insects. They do not eat wood, but excavate it to create nests.

Behavior Patterns

Active primarily at night; they create galleries in wood and leave behind 'frass' (sawdust-like debris). They have a complex social structure with queens, workers, and winged reproductive ants.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant structural damage to homes by hollowing out wood. Benefits: In the ecosystem, they aid in the decomposition of dead trees and serve as a food source for other animals.

Identified on: 3/22/2026