Insect, which lives in numerous and organized colonies, black in color with sometimes a red spot on the thorax, depending on the species. Measuring between six and twelve millimeters, it is recognizable by its impressive size and robustness. Its presence in a building may reveal a problem with humidity or with the decomposition of wooden structures. It is attracted by damp and rotten wood to dig tunnels in which to build its nest. In the long term, the presence of carpenter ants can cause significant damage to the frame of a building.