Carpenter ants get their name from the fact that they chew through wood to make nests. However, they do not eat wood like termites. They eat sweet foods, pet food, and other insects. Carpenter ants are commonly found in wooded areas, nesting in trees, logs, and stumps. Carpenter ants may also be found in man-made structures, including wooden doors, ceiling beams, floor joists, under bathtubs, and attic eaves.