The answer to 'what do carpenter ants look like' is that carpenter ants are large, black or reddish-black ants that can grow up to 1 inch long. They have a distinct narrow waist and elbowed antennae. Carpenter ants get their name from their habit of tunneling and nesting in wood, which they use to build their colonies.
Carpenter ants are often mistaken for termites, but there are a few key differences. Carpenter ants have a distinct narrow waist, while termites have a thicker, more rounded body. Carpenter ants also have elbowed antennae, while termites have straight antennae. Additionally, carpenter ants have two pairs of wings that are different sizes, while termites have two pairs of wings that are the same size.