What is the main characteristic of the damage caused by carpenter ants?

The main characteristic of the damage caused by carpenter ants encompasses all the options listed, making the selection of "All of the above" the most comprehensive and accurate choice. Carpenter ants are known for their behavior of nesting in wood; however, rather than consuming the wood, they excavate it to create smooth tunnels. This activity causes significant structural damage that may not be immediately apparent through visible holes, as their entry points are often small.

Additionally, while carpenter ants do not produce frass like some wood-boring insects that create visible sawdust-like debris, they do leave behind wood shavings. Their tunneling can ultimately weaken structural integrity, compromising the strength of beams or other wooden components over time. Therefore, the collective nature of these characteristics—structural damage without visible holes, presence of wood shavings (rather than classic frass), and the weakening of structural wood—highlights the multifaceted impact of carpenter ants. This complexity emphasizes the need for professional assessment in any suspected carpenter ant infestation, reinforcing the idea that recognizing all of their damaging characteristics is essential for effective management and remediation.