Question
I live in the Central Valley of California, 4 years ago we planted a Weeping Willow tree in our front yard.  This past year limbs started breaking during high winds.  Upon inspection we noted swollen limbs and what look like bore holes in our limbs.  Today we removed almost all of the branches since all of the limbs were affected; I found live worm larvae in some of the limbs.  We removed 2 very old Walnut trees from our property in the past 2 years due to termite damage.  A pest control company looked at the tree and thought the damage "may be termite damage."
Can the worms be termite larvae? Can my tree be saved?
I have pictures of the damage and larvae casings found if that would be helpful to verify what kind of pest has infested my tree.
I

Answer
Rita:
Sending a photo may help to ID your "critter".  I have a colleague here that works with bugs and he may be able to ID. Try to get as close as you can to the bug with your camera.  Lay a small ruler or a coin beside it so I can tell something about the size. And, be sure to review the image on your computer to be sure it is in focus before you send it.  On the termite subject, it is my understanding that they do not normally attack a healthy tree, but merely move into an already decaying area.

Having the adult stage is much more helpful, since many larvae look alike.  You can also snip off a few of the swollen areas and carry by your local county Extension office for an ID or even carry to your local nursery- often times these folks may have seen this before and know what it is.

Regards
Steve