Weeping Willow Limb Breakage and Live Larvae: Borers, Not Termites

The Damage

4‑year‑old weeping willow in CA Central Valley: limbs break in wind, swollen with bore holes, live larvae inside. Two walnuts removed for termites nearby.

Expert Opinion

Termites don’t attack healthy wood. They move into already decayed areas. The larvae are likely wood‑boring beetles or moths.

Next Steps

1. Send close‑up larva photo with scale (coin/ruler).
2. Or take swollen sections to county Extension/nursery for ID.
3. Adult insect ID is far more reliable than larvae.