carpenter ants in oaks

[oakinfestation]

Noticed some dead branches on some of my oaks. I have like 50. As soon as I took off a dead branch, carpenter ants swarmed.

I don't even know where to start killing them. I have so many trees.

Any advice?

 

[Raintree]

Carpenter ants are not considered detrimental to tree health. Nesting in dead tree tissue only. Control may be necessary if tree ant activity is in proximity to wooden structures.

 

[Marine5068]

Noticed some dead branches on some of my oaks. I have like 50. As soon as I took off a dead branch, carpenter ants swarmed.

I don't even know where to start killing them. I have so many trees.

Any advice?

Raintree is correct.
Carpenter ants don't kill trees, they simply hollow out homes in dying or dead, wet wood. It's their job in nature.
Your Oaks are probably dying from something. maybe Oak wilt or drought over the years.
Stressors on trees can kill off a lot at once. Best to have an Arborist look at them to determine the cause.