Remember that Carpenter ants only nest in wood and require a food source to be close by to survive
. The general sources of food are generally ones which can give them protein and sugar. Outside of the home they would normally east insect that can be dead or alive. In the home the sources are more varied; from meat products to honey, sugar and syrup along with other sweet products. Attracted by the scent of sweetness the sugar pot is often where you will find the first signs of infestation in the form of dead ants. As with most things in life early detection of the problem will make it easier to cure as long term infestation can cause mass structural damage.