Carpenter Ant

Natural Habitat

Found in both forest and urban environments. They typically build primary nests in moist, decaying wood and satellite nests in drier structural wood within buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers that feed on proteins (dead insects) and carbohydrates, especially honeydew produced by aphids. They do not eat wood; they only excavate it for nesting.

Behavior Patterns

They are most active at night. They follow distinct chemical trails to food sources. Unlike termites, they do not consume wood but tunnel through it, keeping 'galleries' clean of debris.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Can cause structural damage to homes by hollowing out wooden supports. Benefit: In the wild, they are essential for ecological decomposition by breaking down dead timber and recycling nutrients.

Identified on: 5/14/2026