Ruth, there isn't anything about either of these woody shrubs that attracts carpenter ants - the ants are something we have to watch for here too.

Any plant or tree in contact with your house or its foundation could potentially provide ants access or hold moisture against the structure producing conditions favorable to ants. You'll want a "vegetation free zone" against the foundation no matter what you are planting....just don't plant so close you have to worry about it touching - allow for growth of course :).