Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it paradise not just for us but for pests like the Florida carpenter ant. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that carpenter ants eat wood, just like termites. But let’s set the record straight, they don’t. These ants tunnel through wood to build their nests, but they don’t consume it.
So, what do Florida carpenter ants actually eat?
They’re sugar lovers, scavengers, and opportunists, drawn to anything from fruit juice to dead insects. And if you’re spotting them indoors, it’s often a sign of a bigger problem. It’s a sign that there is a colony nearby, possibly inside your home.
Whether you’re dealing with an infestation or just want to stay ahead of the problem, knowing their diet is the first step. Let’s get into it.
Florida Carpenter Ants and Their Diet: Everything You Need to Know
Photo Source -> University of Maryland
Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus) are a unique breed. While they share similarities with their northern relatives, their behavior and nesting habits are shaped by Florida’s humid, subtropical climate. Unlike some smaller ant species that set up shop in your pantry, these ants are larger, often growing up to half an inch long, with a striking red-and-black coloration that makes them easy to identify.
How Florida Carpenter Ants Differ from Other Carpenter Ants
Most carpenter ants across the U.S. prefer cool, damp environments; rotting logs, decaying trees, or even wooden structures with moisture damage. Florida carpenter ants, on the other hand, are perfectly suited for our state’s muggy conditions. They’re just as likely to nest in tree cavities as they are in attics, soffits, or even behind walls. Their foraging habits also set them apart, as they tend to travel farther in search of food and are more likely to invade homes at night.
Do Florida Carpenter Ants Eat Wood? Let’s Debunking the Myth
Photo Source -> University of New Hampshire
This is one of the biggest myths in pest control. Florida carpenter ants do not eat wood. If you’ve spotted sawdust-like debris (called frass) near baseboards, window frames, or outdoor wooden structures, that’s a telltale sign of a nearby colony.
Why the Confusion Exists
Carpenter ant damage can look strikingly similar to termite damage, but the way they interact with wood is completely different:
Carpenter ants excavate wood, not consume it. They chew through damp, rotting wood to carve out smooth tunnels for their colonies.
They discard the chewed wood (frass). If you see tiny piles of sawdust-like material near wooden structures, that’s a classic sign of a carpenter ant infestation.
Their tunnels are clean and smooth. Unlike termites, which fill their tunnels with mud and saliva, carpenter ants create polished galleries inside wood.
If you’re finding these signs in your home, it doesn’t just mean you have an ant problem, it likely means there’s a moisture issue, too, since these ants prefer wood that’s already softened by water damage.
The Science Behind It: Why Carpenter Ants Can’t Eat Wood
The key difference between termites and carpenter ants comes down to digestion.
Termites have symbiotic gut bacteria that allow them to break down cellulose, the main component in wood.
Carpenter ants don’t have this ability. Instead, they rely on sugars, proteins, and fats from external food sources.
This is why Florida carpenter ants will always be found foraging for food outside of their nests. They need nectar, honeydew, fruit juices, and dead insects to sustain the colony.
Why They Prefer Moist, Decaying Wood
Carpenter ants don’t just tunnel into any old wood. They target areas that are easier to excavate, which is why moist, rotting wood is their favorite nesting site.
Outdoors, they nest in tree stumps, fallen logs, and dead branches.
Inside, they’re drawn to water-damaged wooden structures, such as:
Baseboards near plumbing leaks
Wooden window frames exposed to constant humidity
Why Their Diet Matters for Homeowners
Knowing what Florida carpenter ants eat is the key to preventing infestations. These ants are omnivores, meaning they’ll eat both plant-based and protein-rich foods. Their diet includes sweet substances like nectar, fruit juices, and honeydew from aphids, as well as proteins from dead insects. Inside your home, they’re drawn to sugary spills, pet food, and even greasy residues left behind from cooking.
If you’re seeing these ants indoors, it’s not just about food, it could mean they’ve established a nest nearby. A few stray ants near your sink or pantry might not seem like a big deal, but in my experience, where there’s one, there are many more nearby. Knowing their dietary habits helps us track down infestations, eliminate food sources, and ultimately keep them out of your home.
What Do Florida Carpenter Ants Eat in the Wild?
Photo Source -> Harvard Forest
Florida carpenter ants aren’t just scavengers; they’re opportunists. Their diet shifts depending on what’s available, and knowing what fuels them can help you prevent them from making themselves at home—inside your home.
A Sweet Tooth with a Purpose
Florida carpenter ants are sugar fiends. In the wild, their primary source of energy comes from sugary substances like:
Honeydew from aphids – This sugary secretion is a carpenter ant delicacy. They even protect aphid colonies to ensure a steady supply.
Nectar from flowers – Another quick-hit energy source that helps keep their colonies thriving.
Fruit juices and tree sap – They’ll gladly lap up any natural sugar they can find.
That’s why, if they make their way into your house, they’re the first ones to find that sticky soda spill or the overripe fruit on your counter.
Protein: The Other Half of Their Diet
Carbohydrates supply the energy, but protein is key for colony growth.. Florida carpenter ants feed on:
Dead insects – They scavenge decaying bugs like termites, beetles, and even other ants.
Budworm larvae and insect eggs – A rich protein source that supports developing larvae.
Live insects (occasionally) – While they primarily scavenge, carpenter ants aren’t above hunting small, slow-moving insects when the opportunity presents itself.
Unlike some ant species, Florida carpenter ants don’t store food. Instead, workers bring food back to the nest and distribute it through a process called trophallaxis, essentially mouth-to-mouth feeding.
Seasonal Eating Habits: Storing Fat for Winter
Even in Florida, cooler months slow down insect activity, making food sources less predictable. To compensate, carpenter ants adjust their diet in the fall:
They consume extra carbohydrates to store fat reserves, allowing them to survive periods of food scarcity.
Colonies become less active in winter, with workers venturing out only when necessary.
If you’re seeing carpenter ants inside during colder months, that’s a red flag, they’re likely nesting somewhere in your home where warmth and moisture provide the perfect shelter.
How Food-Seeking Behavior Reveals a Nearby Colony
Carpenter ants don’t just randomly appear inside your home. Their movements can tell you a lot about where they’re coming from:
Foraging Trails Often Lead Back to Moisture-Damaged Wood – If you follow their trail, you may find it leads to a hidden nest in rotting wood, inside walls, or even in attic insulation. These ants prefer areas with high humidity and water damage.
Seeing Ants at Night? A Colony is Actively Feeding Nearby – Florida carpenter ants are primarily nocturnal, meaning if you’re spotting them after sunset, they’re likely foraging from a well-established nest nearby. If you see ants during the day, the infestation is likely large and growing.
How to Prevent Florida Carpenter Ants from Invading Your Home
If Florida carpenter ants find what they need, they’ll stick around, and before you know it, you could be dealing with a full-blown infestation. The key to keeping them out? Eliminate what attracts them in the first place. Here’s how you can make your home less inviting to these unwanted guests.
Eliminate Food Sources
Carpenter ants are always on the hunt for sugar and protein, and they’re not picky about where they find it. To cut off their food supply:
Store sweet and protein-rich foods in airtight containers. This includes sugar, honey, pet food, and even cooking oils.
Clean up spills and crumbs immediately. A few drops of fruit juice or a grease spot near the stove is enough to attract a trail of foragers.
Take out the trash regularly and keep bins sealed. Carpenter ants are drawn to food scraps and residues left in garbage cans.
Fix Moisture Issues
Since Florida carpenter ants prefer damp, decaying wood for nesting, eliminating excess moisture in your home can make a big difference.
Repair leaks and water damage. Dripping pipes, leaky faucets, or roof leaks create the perfect environment for carpenter ants to nest.
Improve ventilation. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce humidity.
Check gutters and downspouts. Water buildup near your home’s foundation can attract carpenter ants looking for a damp nesting site.
Seal Entry Points
Carpenter ants can squeeze through tiny openings to get inside. To keep them out:
Block cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundation walls.
Seal gaps around utility lines where plumbing and electrical wiring enter the house.
Trim back tree branches and shrubs that touch your home—these can serve as bridges for ants to enter.
Get a Professional Inspection
If you’re seeing Florida carpenter ants regularly, there’s a good chance a colony is nearby. A professional pest inspection can:
Identify the exact location of the nest (inside or outside your home).
Determine the severity of the infestation and recommend the best treatment plan.
Provide long-term solutions to keep them from coming back.
At Hoffer Pest Solutions, we specialize in targeted carpenter ant treatments that don’t just eliminate the ants you see, but also go after the hidden colonies causing the problem. If you’re dealing with a carpenter ant infestation, don’t wait until the damage gets worse—give us a call today
📞 Call us at (954) 590-0477
🌐 Visit us online at www.hofferpest.com