Ugly Growth on Crepe Myrtle Tree

Question

I have just noticed ugly growths on the bark of one of my old crepe myrtle trees. It was obviously not part of the bark, so I shoved my trowel between the bark and the growth. When I did so, several small, black ant-looking critters came out. The same type of growth is on several other areas of this one tree. Can you tell me what it is?

Answer 1

I would take a sample of the growth and the insect to your local agricultural extension office for identification. It probably is an ant, but there are "ant mimics". With a positive ID on the growth and the insect, they can reccomend treatment.