Florida carpenter ants are most commonly nest around man-made structures with preferences for humid environments. Most are considered pests of minor importance, during their flight season Florida carpenter ants can often be found in very large numbers and they are considered one of the most serious structural pest species.

These bicolored ants are among the largest ants found in Florida, making them apparent as they forage or fly indoors and out. Workers vary in size, ranging from 1/4 to 3/8 inch in length. Winged females (alates) are the largest reaching up to 3/4 inch in length. The thorax and head are ash brown to rusty-orange and the abdomen is black. Their many coarse, long body hairs are brown to golden brown in color and shorter than those on the body.