What can result from carpenter ants excavating wood?

Carpenter ants create galleries in wood as they excavate it for nesting purposes. This excavation process results in visible damage to the wood structure, which can compromise the integrity of the affected areas. The tunnels they create can lead to weaknesses and potential structural issues in buildings, especially when infestations are severe and left untreated. Unlike some wood-boring insects that consume the wood, carpenter ants remove the wood material to create space for their nests, which clearly leaves signs of their presence. The visible damage can include frass, which is a combination of wood shavings and debris left behind, further indicating an infestation. Understanding this process is crucial for pest control technicians in identifying and addressing carpenter ant issues effectively.