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Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests. Unlike termites, they do not consume the wood but instead remove it to create smooth, clean tunnels and galleries inside. These tunnels serve as living spaces for the colony. Carpenter ants range in size from one-quarter inch for a worker ant to up to three-quarters inch for a queen. They are usually black, red, or a combination of both, and can be identified by their large size and bent antennae.

These ants prefer moist or decaying wood, which is easier to excavate, and are commonly found in trees, wooden structures, wall voids, or crawl spaces, especially in areas with water damage. Infestations can weaken the structural integrity of wooden elements over time, making them a concern for homeowners. Carpenter ants are most active at night and are known to forage for food up to 100 yards from their nests, often feeding on sweets, proteins, and other insects.