Carpenter ants are structural pests that nest in rotten or damaged wood. While ants in the kitchen may be a nuisance to homeowners, wood damage caused by ants can lead to structural problems. By following the steps of an integrated pest management program, you can keep ants out of your living or working space for good. Remember to identify the pest species, inspect to locate the parent and satellite colonies, eliminate and repair moisture conditions that favor the pest, remove food sources and use pesticides sparingly.