Do Carpenter Ants consume wood as part of their diet?

Carpenter ants do not consume wood as a part of their diet. Instead, they excavate wood to create nesting sites, which leads to structural damage in wooden structures. Their diet primarily consists of proteins, sugars, and other food sources like insects, nectar, and honeydew. While they can be found in wood, their activity is about nesting, not feeding.

This distinction about carpenters ants is important; understanding their behavior helps in identifying infestations and determining appropriate control measures. Contrary to the idea that they eat wood, knowing that they forage for other food sources aids pest control professionals in creating effective treatment strategies.