Blackish color most common but can also be black and red.
6 legs.
Lifecycle
Swarms appear in the Spring.
The colonies of carpenter ants can live from 3-6 years.
Habits
Locations - both moist and dry wood, but prefer moist, eg wood dampened by water leaks.
Internally - excavate galleries in wood with a smooth appearance.
Externally - sometimes hollow out sections of trees.
Visibility - hunt for food mainly at night but also during the day in early spring / summer. Signs include sawdust, wet wood, or unusual noises coming from the walls.
Feeding - primary food is honeydew, also eat plant secretions, fruit juices and insect remains. They do not eat wood. In homes they are attracted to sweet substances, fats, grease and meats.
Contact - rarely come into contact with people, but if they do will try to escape. They cannot sting.