I suggest that you invest in an inspection by an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist. Termites are almost always found in wood that is already dead. In other words, the termites are taking advantage of a situation that has presented itself (diseased/rotted tree), but are not the cause of the problem.

The ISA arborist will be able to assess the tree's condition. Internal rot cannot be cured, but an otherwise healthy tree can often live for many years in spite of it. However, if the disease has progressed throughout limbs and canopy, then you've got a hazard on your hands.

The arborist can diagnose the extent of the problem, offer a prognosis, and get rid of the termites, too. Run of the mill 'tree guys' cannot help you with this; look for the ISA Certification designation in the yellow pages, or do a web search for ISA arborists in your area.

Where did you hear that oaks 'like' adversity? Not so.

let me rephrase rhiz ...

you problem is not the termites.. [if in fact you have IDd them properly ...]

your problem is the dead rotting wood that they are feeding on ...

getting rid of the bug... WILL NOT HEAL DEAD WOOD ...

hence you need to find out if and when gravity will take over.. and make the trees fall down ...

if they threaten anything... the bigger one obviously ... then it has to come down.. before it kills you in your sleep or some such ...

i also dont understand how a small tree does nothing for a decade ... and then grows this year .... it just doesnt make sense at all ...

get the ISA opinion.. or just be rid of them ...

and to be clear ....an ISA guy.. is not just any monkey with a chainsaw ... see link

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link