Termites/ants on a tree

siobhan7

I live in Southern California, just North of LA. A large branch fell off of our 15 year old Peach Tree today. It looks like there are channels bored out in the inside of the branch along with a bunch of small brown and black grannular pellets. This made me suspect termites might have caused the damage. There are leaves and peach buds starting on that branch so I do not believe it was entirely dead wood. Also, I see no living termites. But, there are thousands of very tiny black ants all over the tree. We have been having a problem with those ants in the house and garden for some time now. I am wondering if ants could have killed the termites. Or perhaps just took over there burrows. I do not believe they are carpenter ants because of their size. I saw another one of the branches has large cracks in the bark and it looks like there is wood damage there as well. We will probably have to cut off that branch as well to keep it from falling on anyone. I am just wondering if anyone can make any suggestions. We would really like to save the tree. Thanks.

dov

They sound like Argentine ants and probably would have moved into already established holes. Cutting down a big Euc that is full of the little blighters at the moment. Have to wear repellent all the time or I get covered in them.

Some photos would help people to give you better advice.