It nests readily outdoors or indoors. Colonies may be moderate to large in size containing numerous reproducing females (polygyny). Indoors, the ant colonizes wall void or spaces between cabinetry and baseboards. It will also nest in potted plants.  Indoors, the ant nests in small spaces such as cracks, spaces between books, or wall voids. Indoor foragers often come from outside. This is a very common pest inside homes.

 Carpenter ants are one of the most common indoor insect pests in Florida. Foraging proceeds in very loosely defined trails or by individual ants that seem to wander aimlessly. These ants have a fondness for sweets and can be found in campgrounds near soda machines and other areas where sweets are readily accessible.

The diet of foraging workers consists of dead animals, including insects, earthworms, and vertebrates. Workers also collect honeydew and will forage for sweets, proteins, and fats in homes. They are sometimes attracted to piles of dirty laundry.