Question
I was wondering if there has been any research as to what kinds of trees carpenter ants prefer to nest in?  I have silver maples and white pines and I was wondering which one to prune back away from the house.

Answer
They nest in hollow trees it does not seem to make any difference as to the species of tree. Hardwood trees are favored since these will tend to become hollow if wounded and decay fungi enter. Pines seem to seal off wounds better then hardwood tree. Ant need the decay fungi to start the decaying so they can make their nest easier. They rarely nest in trees with solid wood. I would just watch the tree for signs of wounds and decay and treat the wound with an insecticide like Merit and this should prevent carpenter ants from entering the wound.