What attracts carpenter ants?

Food: Carpenter ants love protein and sugar. Pet food left lying around has all the protein they need. They are also extremely attracted to honeydew, which is a sweet liquid produced by aphids. Controlling the aphid population in your yard is another way to prevent these ants. Carpenter ants forage for food at night and look for anything sticky, sweet or meaty. Garbage cans not properly sealed are a favorite. read more

Household products are some of their dietary staples and regularly draw carpenter ants indoors, like: Syrup; Honey; Jelly; Candies; Meats; Pet food; Workers forage for foodstuffs inside homes to carry back to main nests. How to Keep Them Away. Attracted to damp and poorly ventilated areas, carpenter ants establish satellite colonies inside homes. read more

Too much water can promote disease and decay which in turn may attract pests, such as the black carpenter ant. In nature, they aid in the decomposition of dead, decaying trees and nest in logs, stumps and hollow trees. read more