Question
QUESTION: Location: Hollywood, FL
The tree was identified as a "live oak" by a roving tree trimmer.
My gardner found small white worms  (with a dark cap) no more than
1/2 inch in length at the infected site. Below the site, the tree exudes a black
tar-like water soluble liquid.
The tree trimmer called the worms "tree grubs". I have no knowledge if they
are worms or the larvae of an insect.
The local extension agent had no suggestions. She told me to bring in a
sample of the worms which is not practical.
Have you a suggestion which chemical or physical treatment
can be applied to rid the tree of the pest?

ANSWER:  Hi Michael, I did a little checking for you and this site may  just solve your problem.  There are many types of grubs, and the pictures show what they may be.  Happy New Year Kathy
 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH037


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The linked information is confusing: it seems to deal with grubs that attack
"turf" or "sugarcane". In my case, the object of attack  is a 40-50 foot tall hard
live oak tree. Does this information relevant to an oak trees too?

Answer
Hi Michael, I was concentrating on the tree grubs, but should have been looking closer on the black liquid... This is what I found and I think this is what you are looking for..http://invisiblegardener.com/magazine/online_magazine/pages/sudden_death_oak.htm

It is called sudden death oak, if this solution will help, I do not know.  It is something we have not heard of here in Sarasota, FL, and hope it does not come this way.  again  Kathy