Carpenter ants are a threat to people because they make nests in and around our homes. Carpenter ants do not eat wood like termites do. They make extensive galleries in the wood to live in and raise their young. Carpenter ant colonies may reach the size of 40,000-60,000 ants.
Ant activity is typically greatest between dusk and dawn.
This new colony is known as a satellite colony, and is usually made nearby. The parent colony contains the queen, young larvae and workers, while the satellite colony contains the mature larvae, pupae, workers, and winged reproductives. Because many homes in this region are being built in forested areas, established colonies of carpenter ants are frequently found in close proximity to these residences. These species commonly nest in standing trees, logs, stumps, etc. These ants are often seen in the kitchen and bathroom beginning in early April.