Which ant species can be effectively controlled by altering its habitat through removing or replacing damaged wood?

Carpenter ants are specifically known for nesting in wood, particularly decaying or damaged wood. By altering their habitat through activities such as removing or replacing wood that is rotting or damaged, the conducive environment for carpenter ants is disrupted, effectively controlling their population. This approach addresses the fundamental issue of providing a suitable nesting site for these ants, which is crucial since they do not consume wood like termites but rather tunnel through it to create their nests.

On the other hand, fire ants, pharaoh ants, and pavement ants have different nesting habits and do not primarily rely on wood for their colonies. Fire ants typically build mounds in soil, while pharaoh ants prefer to nest indoors in hidden locations that are often not associated with wood. Pavement ants usually inhabit underneath pavement slabs or other exposed outdoor areas. Because their control does not rely on managing wood sources, the strategy of habitat alteration through wood removal does not effectively target these species.

Thus, the focus on managing damaged wood makes it clear that controlling carpenter ants is logically achieved by addressing their nesting preferences.