Like subterranean insects they are attracted to moist environments, likely to nest in solid wood adjacent to a saturated point. Unlike termites which receive nourishment from the wood, carpenter ants damage the wood solely for nesting purposes. While they can cause extensive damage, it is generally more localized than termite activity. Also, because of the visible presence of the insect, activity is more likely to be addressed prior to major damage occurring. Termites have relatively straight, beadlike antennae while ants have elbowed antennae.
Ants also have two pair of wings but the fore wings are much larger than the hind wings.
The abdomen of the termite is broadly joined to the thorax while the abdomen and thorax of the ant are joined by a narrow waist called a petiole. This insect is basically a nuisance pest, but if allowed to re-infect the same areas year after year, structural damage could occur. The carpenter bee, a large black and yellow bee similar in appearance to the bumblebee, will channel out a tunnel in wood, usually an exterior trim piece, and deposit eggs. More often than not, when the larva emerge as an adult it will move on to another area. If re-infestation is a problem, spot treatment and plugging the holes is usually all that is necessary.