The nests are established below the surface of the ground, at various depths, usually in abandoned rodent nests. The nest entrances have been observed at the base of rocks, in between the growth of Aconitum septentrionale, in a tuft covered by Vaccinium myrtillus and always in sheltered humid biotopes. Large colonies are produced.
O. Meidell reported a nest he observed in 1940 (from Stavanger, Norway) established in an abandoned mouse nest situated between rocks in a levelled field at the base of a south east facing slope. This nest produced 35 workers and 21 males.
Rasmont (2008) reports that this species will utilise abandoned mammal nests.