Where can carpenter ants often build their nests?

Carpenter ants are known for their ability to establish nests in various types of wood. They typically prefer to build their nests in damp or decaying wood but can also inhabit sound wood that is part of trees, wood members, or buildings. This versatility in nesting locations enables them to thrive both outdoors and indoors.

In trees, carpenter ants may create nests by hollowing out sections of the wood, often in areas that have been weakened by moisture or disease. When it comes to buildings, they can find suitable nesting sites in structural wood such as framing, beams, or even within wall voids, particularly if there is any moisture present that has caused decay. This adaptability to different wood sources is a significant factor in their prevalence as pests in and around human structures.

The other options suggest specific locations that do not accurately reflect the preferred nesting habits of carpenter ants. For instance, while they may occasionally be found in garages or on rooftops under certain conditions, these areas are not primary nesting sites. Similarly, while damp basements can support carpenter ant activity, they are not limited to those locations, and carpenter ants can thrive in a broader range of environments.