Carpenter ants excavate galleries in wood and are considered wood destroying organisms because of this habit. Carpenter ant colonies are usually constructed in areas with excessive moisture such as roof or plumbing leaks. Colonies are difficult to locate because they are located in difficult-to-reach sites and are often supplemented by separate, smaller satellite colonies (sub-colonies away from the main colony). Foraging ants are regularly seen in homes and buildings but this does not necessarily indicate an active carpenter ant infestation within the structure. Many times carpenter ants foraging within homes are originating from outside sources such as woodpiles and trees.