Carpenter ants are a widespread group of ants known for their ability to tunnel into wood to create nests. Understanding what these ants consume is important for managing their presence, especially when they enter human structures. Their dietary preferences drive their foraging behavior, which in turn influences where they establish colonies and how they interact with their environment. Learning about their diet can provide insights into effective strategies for prevention and control.
Natural Food Sources
Outdoors, carpenter ants primarily seek sugars and proteins. Sugars come from honeydew, a sweet liquid secreted by aphids and other sap-sucking insects. Carpenter ants actively collect this honeydew, and some species even protect aphid colonies to ensure a continuous supply. They also consume plant nectars and the juices from ripe or decaying fruits.
Protein is a necessary component of their diet, particularly for the development of ant larvae within the colony. Carpenter ants acquire protein by preying on other insects, both living and dead, and by scavenging insect parts. They are known to hunt small insects like flies and caterpillars, and will also consume dead insects they encounter while foraging.
What They Seek Indoors
When carpenter ants find their way into human dwellings, they become opportunistic feeders, attracted to a variety of readily available food sources. They retain their preference for sugary substances, seeking out items such as fruit, syrups, honey, jelly, and other sweet spills or crumbs. Carpenter ants also look for protein-rich foods indoors to support the colony’s growth. This includes meat scraps, fatty foods, and even pet food left in bowls. Their diverse diet means they can exploit various food items found in kitchens and pantries, making proper food storage and cleanliness important for deterring them.
Their Relationship With Wood
Carpenter ants do not eat wood for sustenance, unlike termites, which digest cellulose. Instead, carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create galleries and nests where their colonies reside and raise their young. They use their strong mandibles to excavate wood, pushing out the chewed-up wood particles, known as frass, which resembles sawdust. While they can tunnel into sound wood, they often favor wood that has been softened by moisture or decay. This nesting behavior can still lead to structural damage over time as colonies expand.
Using Diet Knowledge for Prevention
Understanding carpenter ant dietary habits provides effective prevention strategies. Removing accessible food sources is key, which includes promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs, especially sugary or fatty residues. Storing food in airtight containers denies ants access to meals. Avoid leaving pet bowls out overnight or storing pet food in unsealed bags.
Addressing moisture issues in and around the home can reduce attractiveness, as damp wood is preferred for nesting. Managing aphid infestations on outdoor plants can reduce a natural food source that draws ants closer to the structure.