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Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Camponotus Formica ligniperda.

In some areas of the country, carpenter ants (wood ants) cause more damage to structures than termites. They are difficult insects to control and can cause extensive damage to wood members in a fairly short period of time. Carpenter ants do not actually eat wood but excavate galleries within it to use as nesting sites. Foraging activity can occur at any time of day but usually peaks at night. When foraging inside houses, carpenter ants are attracted to sweets, meat, grease and fat. The first sign of a carpenter ant infestation is usually the sighting of numerous workers throughout the home; occupants often complain of Big Black Ants.