Carpenter ants are large insects commonly encountered in homes, often mistaken for wood-eating pests. These ants are notable for their ability to excavate tunnels within wooden structures. Despite their name, they do not consume wood for nutrition.
Their Natural Diet
Carpenter ants are omnivorous foragers, seeking a variety of food sources in their natural outdoor environments. A significant part of their diet is honeydew, a sugary liquid secreted by aphids and other sap-sucking insects. They actively protect aphid colonies to ensure a consistent supply of this energy-rich substance, sometimes even stroking aphids to stimulate honeydew release. They also consume living and dead insects, which provide vital protein for colony growth and larval development, including various arthropods like caterpillars and termites. Plant nectars, sap, and certain fungi also contribute to their sugar intake.
Food Sources in Human Habitations
When carpenter ants find their way into human dwellings, their foraging habits adapt to readily available indoor food sources. They are particularly drawn to sugary items, including sweets, syrups, fruit juices, jelly, and honey, which provide immediate energy. Protein-rich foods also attract them, such as meats, pet food, and various crumbs or greasy residues found in kitchens and pantries, which are crucial for the queen and larvae. These ants are highly opportunistic foragers, constantly searching for easily accessible sustenance within structures, often traversing up to 300 feet from their nest. They require consistent access to moisture and are often found near leaks, condensation, or damp areas within a home, as they cannot digest solid food without it.
The Wood Connection: Not Food, But Shelter
Carpenter ants do not eat wood because they cannot digest cellulose, the primary component of wood, unlike termites. Instead, they meticulously excavate tunnels and galleries within wooden structures to create nests for their colonies. This tunneling provides essential shelter and protection for the ant colony, serving as a secure environment for rearing their young.
They often prefer wood that is damp, decaying, or previously damaged by moisture or fungus, as this softened material is easier to tunnel through. However, they can also infest sound wood over time.
Unlike carpenter ants, termites actively consume wood as their main food source, leaving behind distinct mud-filled galleries and a ragged appearance. Carpenter ant tunnels are smooth and clean. The wood shavings they expel, known as frass, resemble sawdust and are a key sign of their presence.