What type of damage do carpenter ants primarily cause?

Carpenter ants primarily cause structural damage by hollowing out wood. They do this by excavating wood to create nests, which involves removing the material in a way that creates hollow galleries. This behavior can compromise the structural integrity of wood in buildings, leading to significant damage over time. Unlike some other pests, carpenter ants do not eat the wood; instead, they remove it to expand their nests, making this form of damage particularly concerning for homeowners and builders.

Surface damage to buildings usually involves issues like peeling paint or minor deterioration, which is not the primary impact of carpenter ants. While other pests may affect crops and plants, carpenter ants specifically target wood structures. Additionally, while certain insects may convert wood into fine dust, this characteristic typically pertains to termites rather than carpenter ants. Thus, the correct understanding of the damage caused by carpenter ants lies in their ability to hollow out wood, posing a risk to the structural safety of buildings.