The answer to 'what is carpenter ant' is that carpenter ants are a type of large black ant that infest and damage wood structures in homes. They get their name from their habit of tunneling and nesting inside wood to create their colonies. Carpenter ants do not eat wood like termites, but they excavate galleries and nests inside the wood, which can weaken the structural integrity of the home over time.
Carpenter ants are commonly found in damp, decaying wood and can enter homes through cracks, gaps, or entry points around windows, doors, or roofs. They are often attracted to moisture issues, leaks, or areas of wood rot. While they don't consume the wood, their tunneling and nesting can cause significant damage if left unchecked.