What is a primary food source for carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants primarily rely on plant fluids and honeydew as their main food source. Honeydew, a sugary substance excreted by aphids and other sap-sucking insects, provides essential carbohydrates that carpenter ants need for energy. This nutritional strategy allows them to thrive in various environments, as they can forage for these resources in addition to utilizing protein sources such as dead insects or other organic matter when available. Understanding their diet is crucial for pest control technicians, as it informs effective management strategies.

The other options, while they might represent food sources for other pests or animals, do not align with the dietary preferences of carpenter ants. Focusing on honeydew and plant fluids emphasizes their unique foraging habits and ecological role.