Where might Carpenter Ants typically nest outside?

Carpenter ants are known for nesting in a variety of locations outside, and one of the most common habitats for them includes stumps, logs, and areas under stones. These environments provide the damp and decaying wood that carpenter ants prefer for nesting. Decayed wood is easier for them to excavate, and it offers a suitable environment for the growth of fungi, which can be a food source for the ants.

While the other options describe potential nesting sites, they are either limited or less common for carpenter ants. For instance, some might consider trees as a nesting site, but the priority for carpenter ants is typically more aligned with ground-level decaying wood rather than living trees. Additionally, nesting in attics and basements is more characteristic of other pests, and nesting on leaves and vines is not typical behavior for carpenter ants since they prefer solid structural environments for their colonies.

Thus, the preference for stumps, logs, and areas under stones reflects the carpenter ants’ needs and behaviors effectively.