Carpenter Ant (Winged Swarmer)

Nests in moist or decaying wood, such as tree stumps, logs, and structural timbers in homes near moisture sources.

Does not eat wood; feeds on proteins (insects) and carbohydrates (honeydew from aphids, plant juices, and human food scraps).

Alates (winged ants) emerge in spring/summer for mating flights to establish new colonies. They are primarily nocturnal and follow chemical trails.

Structural risk to homes as they excavate wood to build nests; ecologically beneficial as they aid in the decomposition of forest wood.