Black Carpenter Ant

Found in forests, woodlands, and near human structures; typically nests in dead, damp wood, hollow logs, or tree stumps.

Omnivorous; they eat plant juices, honeydew from aphids, other insects, and household scraps like sweets and meats.

Active primarily at night; they are social insects that establish satellite colonies. They do not eat wood but excavate it to build nests.

Benefits include aerating soil and decomposing dead wood. Risks include structural damage to homes if nests are established in damp wood, and they can deliver a painful bite if disturbed.