Moths are out of control.

[PRBuzz]

Response back already from UMass Amherst: "It appears to be a round-headed borer larva, which is the immature stage for the longhorned beetles. There are more than 1000 species of these in North America and the vast majority require a previously weakened tree to be able to attack. Being an oak tree, it is highly unlikely that it is Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). As far as I know, ALB has never been found attacking oaks anywhere. The fact that these are in the oak suggests that the tree(s) is in a weakened condition from such possible causes as: extended drought (unlikely), soil compaction, successive years of defoliation from such insects as winter moth , gypsy moth, forest tent caterpillar, etc. or other reasons. If the areas of attack on the trunk is in the buttress roots at ground level, then it possibly could be a tilehorned beetle which can attack healthier trees but is not all that common. Otherwise, have the tree inspected for signs of previous stresses. These wood borers are rarely the first problem that a tree has but often they are the last because they are what finally kills the tree."