Black Carpenter Ant

Woodlands, forest edges, and wooden structures where moisture is present.

Honeydew from aphids, plant juices, and other insects. They do not eat wood.

Nocturnal foragers that tunnel into damp or decaying wood to create nesting galleries. They exhibit complex social structures with distinct castes.

Benefits include aeration of soil and decomposition of dead wood. Risks include potential structural damage to homes if nests are established in building timbers.