What type of damage can carpenter ants cause?

Carpenter ants are known for their ability to excavate wood in order to create nesting sites. This behavior can lead to significant structural damage to wooden structures over time. Unlike termites, which consume wood, carpenter ants remove wood to make their nests, which can compromise the integrity of beams, wall studs, and other vital structural components. If left untreated, the damage can become extensive, leading to costly repairs and posing a risk to the safety of the building.

Options that suggest only surface damage or no significant damage underestimate the potential impact carpenter ants can have on a structure. Additionally, limiting their damage to just electrical wiring ignores the primary threat they pose to the structural elements of a building. Hence, the focus on structural damage to wood accurately reflects the primary concern with carpenter ants.