What do carpenter ants primarily eat?

Carpenter ants primarily feed on protein and sugar sources, which include insects and sweets. They are known to forage for food and will consume dead insects, honeydew produced by aphids, and various sugary substances. While they may excavate wood to create nests, they do not consume wood as a food source. This distinguishes them from termites, which actually eat wood. The preference for protein and sugary substances allows carpenter ants to thrive, especially in environments where these resources are abundant. This feeding behavior is fundamental to their role in the ecosystem, as they also help in the breakdown of dead organic material and recycling nutrients.