Black Carpenter Ant

Natural Habitat

Typically found in woodland areas, nesting in dead logs, stumps, or hollow trees; they frequently invade wooden structures, especially moisture-damaged wood.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; they eat plant juices, honeydew from aphids, other insects, and protein or sugar-based food scraps in human homes. They do not eat wood.

Behavior Patterns

They are primarily nocturnal foragers. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but excavate it to create smooth galleries for nesting. They exhibit complex social structures with a single queen.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include significant structural damage to homes and buildings if nests are left untreated. Benefits include their role as decomposers in nature, breaking down dead wood, and acting as a food source for other wildlife.

Identified on: 3/22/2026