Carpenter ant – What is a carpenter ant?

Definition of a carpenter ant?

The carpenter ant or winged ant, measures between six and twelve millimetres. They are attracted to damp wood, such as trees, galleries, porches, doors and windows. It prefers rotten wood above all, not for food, but for digging tunnels in which to build its nest.

Often the nest can extend into nearby healthy wood. Carpenter ants generally feed on small insects, sugary foods and fatty substances found in homes. The winged ants mate in late spring. Soon after, the male dies and the fertilized queen lays her eggs to found a new colony which will take a few years to consolidate.