A larger ant species that excavates (rather than eats) wood to build nests, which can indicate existing moisture damage and cause further structural harm over time.
The ant that means more than a kitchen nuisance
Unlike most house ants, carpenter ants tunnel through wood to build nesting galleries — they don't consume the wood the way termites do, but the excavation itself can weaken structural elements over time, especially wood that's already softened by moisture.
Why sawdust piles and winged ants are worth acting on
Fine, sawdust-like material (frass) near window sills or trim, or large winged ants indoors, often means a mature carpenter ant colony has already established itself in wood somewhere on the property — worth a prompt inspection rather than a wait-and-see approach.
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