Where is a carpenter ant queen most commonly found?

The carpenter ant queen is most commonly found in tree stumps. This location is ideal for the queen because it provides a protected environment and access to food sources, which are crucial for the colony's development and survival. Tree stumps offer a moist, sheltered space that is typically free from many predators and disturbances, making it an optimal breeding site for the queen.

While the other locations might offer shelter as well, they are not as commonly associated with the nesting habits of carpenter ants. For instance, while some carpenter ants may be found in tree hollows, this is less typical compared to stumps. Soil is often not a suitable environment for a queen due to the lack of structure and moisture retention needed for the colony development. Inside homes, when carpenter ants are present, it's usually because they are foraging or have established a colony nearby rather than the original nesting location, which tends to be in the outdoors where the queen would have optimal conditions. Thus, tree stumps remain the most common and suitable habitat for the carpenter ant queen.