The answer to 'types of carpenter ant' is that there are several common species of carpenter ants found in homes. The most prevalent are the black carpenter ant, the red carpenter ant, and the Florida carpenter ant. These ants get their name from their habit of nesting in wood, which they excavate to create their colonies.
Carpenter ants are large, ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. They can be black, red, or a combination of the two colors. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat the wood they nest in, but instead hollow it out to create their nests and tunnels. This can cause significant structural damage over time if left untreated.