Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV)
CARPENTER ANTS are large ants that excavate wood to build nests, but they don't eat it, instead feeding on sweets and proteins like honeydew, dead insects, and meat. They are identified by their large size (up to 1/2 inch), black or red/black color, and a smooth, evenly rounded thorax with a single node (waist segment). While they can bite and spray formic acid, they are primarily a structural pest, not a health threat, and are often mistaken for termites due to their wood-nesting habits and winged swarmers.
Identification
Size: Workers range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch; queens and males are larger.
Color: Often black, but can be red and black, or other colors depending on the species.
Body: Smooth, evenly rounded thorax (when viewed from the side) and a single node (waist).
Distinguishing from termites: Ants have elbowed antennae and a pinched waist; termites have straight antennae and a broad waist.
Behavior and Habitat
Nesting: They tunnel into wood (dead or living) to create nests, leaving behind sawdust-like frass.
Diet: Omnivores that eat honeydew, sweets, and proteins; they forage at night.
Colonies: Can be large, with different sizes of workers (minor, intermediate, major).
Swarming: Winged reproductives swarm in spring/summer to start new colonies, often mistaken for termites.
Dangers
Structural Damage: The main concern is the damage they cause by hollowing out wood for nests, which can compromise structures over time.
Bites: They can bite and spray formic acid, causing a burning sensation, but are not aggressive and avoid humans.
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