Where do carpenter ants typically nest?

Carpenter ants are known for their nesting habits, which involve creating their colonies primarily in rotten wood or voids within buildings. This preference for decayed or damaged wood is due to its softer texture, making it easier for the ants to excavate and form their nests. These voids can be found within walls, especially in areas that have experienced moisture damage, where the wood is more susceptible to their tunneling activities.

While they may occasionally be found in other locations, such as tree trunks, the primary characteristic that defines their nesting behavior is the association with decomposed wood. This provides them not only a suitable nesting site but also a strategic location for the foraging activities of the colony. Understanding this habit is crucial for pest control professionals, as it allows them to effectively target areas where carpenter ant activity is likely to be present, particularly in structures that may suffer from moisture issues or wood decay.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the preferred nesting sites of carpenter ants, as they favor environments where they can easily access decayed wood rather than dry wood, moist soil, or healthy tree trunks.