Carpenter Ant

Natural Habitat

Woodlands, gardens, and residential areas; nesting in moist or decaying wood such as logs or structural timber.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; feeds on honeydew from aphids, insect secretions, sugary substances, and other proteins.

Behavior Patterns

Eusocial insects with caste systems. Often active at night; they do not eat wood but excavate galleries to build nests. They participate in nuptial flights involving winged reproductive members.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by aerating soil and decomposing wood. Risks include structural damage to homes if nests are established in building timbers, and they can deliver a painful bite but lack a stinger.

Identified on: 5/29/2026