If they are permitted to remain there, serious damage can result. Although carpenter ants can cause significant damage, problems develop slowly and there is plenty of time to plan safe and effective ways to control the infestation. Carpenter ant worker. Carpenter ant, winged form. Termite, winged form.
Wingless forms are large, usually black, ants.
They also are distinguished from other ants by a single segment forming the wasp waist front of the abdomen and by the smooth, arched profile of the back above the legs. Large numbers of winged forms usually emerge from a nest during spring or early summer. They accumulate at windows and doors trying to find new nesting sites. Another sign of infestation is the year-round presence of wingless forms searching for food. They are attracted to all sorts of animal and vegetable matter.