The carpenter ant is a large species of ant known for its ability to excavate wood to create nests. They are typically black or bicolored, with workers ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood; instead, they remove it to form their colonies, which can be found in decaying or moist wood. Carpenter ants are social insects that live in colonies, which can number in the thousands. They are most active at night and primarily feed on sugars, proteins, and fats. These ants play a role in the ecosystem by helping to break down dead wood, but they can also cause structural damage to homes if they establish nests in wooden structures.