What type of waste do Carpenter Ants leave behind that resembles pencil shavings?

Carpenter ants create nests by tunneling through wood, and as they do so, they produce a waste material known as frass. Frass consists of small wood shavings that result from the ant's activities in the wood. This waste resembles pencil shavings in appearance and texture, which is a key characteristic that can help identify an infestation.

Recognizing the presence of frass is important for pest control efforts, as it indicates that carpenter ants are actively nesting nearby. This understanding enables homeowners and pest management professionals to target their efforts more effectively when dealing with these pests.

Other options like soil debris, shredded plastic, and food remains don't accurately depict the by-product generated by carpenter ants, making frass the clear and correct choice in this context.