There are nine types of carpenter ants throughout the U.S. As many as four or five species are regularly seen in some places. All species mainly attack wood that is or has been wet and damaged by mold.

Even though these ants first invade wet, decayed wood, they may soon begin building paths through dry, undamaged wood. They usually come into buildings through cracks around doors, windows, or through holes for wires. They will also crawl along overhead wires, shrubs, or tree limbs that touch the building far above the ground.

Preventing ant problems:

Here are a few simple things you can do to prevent carpenter ant infestations: