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Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants are large ants in the genus Camponotus that excavate wood to build nests, but do not eat wood.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carpenter ants are large ants in the genus Camponotus that excavate wood to build nests, but do not eat wood. They are found in many parts of the world and can become household pests because their nesting behavior may damage wooden structures. In Canada, the black carpenter ant and red carpenter ant are among the most common types.

Description

Carpenter ants are large ants in the genus Camponotus. They are known for their size, bent antennae, narrow waist, and ability to excavate wood for nesting.

Habitat and behaviour

These ants nest in trees, stumps, logs, and moisture-damaged wood in buildings. Colonies are social and may contain hundreds or thousands of individuals.

Diet and ecology

Carpenter ants feed on a range of foods, including sweets, insects, and other organic matter. In nature, they help break down dead wood and recycle nutrients.

Importance as pests

When carpenter ants nest in homes or other structures, their tunnelling can weaken wood over time. Control usually focuses on finding and treating the nest and correcting moisture problems.

Key facts

  • Carpenter ants excavate wood to create nests but do not eat it.
  • They are social insects living in colonies with a queen and workers.
  • Their tunnelling can damage wooden buildings, especially in damp or decaying wood.
  • They feed on sweets, plant and animal matter, and insects.
  • In Canada, common types include the black carpenter ant and red carpenter ant.
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Canadian context

Carpenter ants are a common structural pest in Canada. Health Canada notes that black and red carpenter ants are among the most common types found there, and they can damage wooden buildings if infestations are not addressed.

Frequently asked questions

Do carpenter ants eat wood?
No. Carpenter ants excavate wood to make nests, but they do not consume the wood.
Are carpenter ants dangerous to buildings?
They can be. Their tunnelling can damage wooden structures, especially where wood is damp or already decaying.
What do carpenter ants eat?
They eat sweets, plant and animal matter, and insects. They also feed on honeydew and food scraps.
Where do carpenter ants nest?
They nest in wood, including trees, stumps, logs, and moisture-damaged parts of buildings.
Do carpenter ants sting?
They do not sting. They may bite with their mandibles if handled.
Are carpenter ants common in Canada?
Yes. Health Canada notes that black and red carpenter ants are among the most common types found in Canada.

References

  1. Health Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/carpenter-ants.html
    Supports: Canadian species, size, diet, nesting behaviour, and control guidance.
  2. Ohio State University Extension — https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2063
    Supports: Definition of carpenter ants as wood-excavating social insects that do not consume wood.
  3. Smithsonian Institution — https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/carpenter-ants
    Supports: Worldwide distribution and the black carpenter ant in southeastern Canada.
  4. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/articles/carpenter-ant.htm
    Supports: Carpenter ants as a large genus with many species.
  5. University of Maryland Extension — https://extension.umd.edu/resource/carpenter-ants
    Supports: Social colony structure, diet, and lack of stinging.
  6. Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry — https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/insects/carpenter_ants.htm
    Supports: Colony size, species examples, and ecological role in dead wood decomposition.