After mating, the queen seeks a nest site and attempts to begin the colony. Colony development is slow and nests are inconspicuous for several months until a large population of worker ants is produced. Ant nests usually are produced underground and colonies contain tens of thousands of workers. The large carpenter ants construct nests in wood that is almost always partially decayed. Other than the occasional carpenter ant colony, few ants in Colorado form a nest indoors, with the exception of the pharaoh ant.
Worker ants forage constantly during the warmer months of the season.
The workers lay down a chemical trail as they forage, which helps direct other workers to foods. Ants feed on a variety of different foods. Sugary materials are preferred by most species. Seeds, grease or protein-rich foods and insect pests make up the diet of other ants.