These are the largest of our local ants and may excavate areas of moist wood for nests. The damage caused is much less severe than that of termites. Carpenter ants may be all black or may also have a reddish-brown area in the middle of their bodies. The mere presence of these ants does not always mean that they are living or nesting in the house. If only a few ants are seen, they are probably only foragers from the outdoors.
Workers can forage hundreds of feet from a colony in search of food.
Larger numbers found daily, unexplained small piles of sawdust or ants active during the winter are good indications that the building may contain a nest. Carpenter ants may also live in wall void areas without affecting the wood. Moist areas with damp wood, however, are often preferred sites of infestation. Such areas may include wood moistened by leaking or sweating pipes in kitchen sink and bathroom areas. Such moisture-related problems should be repaired and deteriorating wood replaced.