Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

Do carpenter ants consume wood?

1. Yes, they eat the wood for nutrition

2. No, they only use it for nesting

3. Yes, but only in the winter

4. No, they avoid wood entirely

The correct answer is: No, they only use it for nesting

Carpenter ants do not consume wood for nutrition. Instead, they primarily use wood to create their nests. They excavate the wood to form galleries and tunnels, which can lead to structural damage over time. While they may chew through wood, their diet consists mainly of protein and sugars found in honeydew, insects, and food sources left behind by humans. This behavior distinguishes them from termites, which actually feed on wood. Understanding this aspect of carpenter ant behavior is crucial in pest control, as it guides appropriate treatment methods; the focus should be on disrupting their nesting sites rather than addressing wood consumption.