Carpenter Ant Alate

Typically found in moist or decaying wood, such as tree stumps, logs, and structural wood in buildings.

Omnivorous; adults consume honeydew from aphids, plant juices, and other insects. They do not eat wood.

Alates (winged swarmers) emerge during the spring and summer to participate in nuptial flights for mating. After mating, females lose their wings to found new colonies.

Benefits include aerating soil and breaking down decaying wood in nature. Risks include structural damage to homes as they tunnel through wood to create nesting galleries.