Diagnosis of termites and other wood-eating insects

When selling or renting a property, termite diagnosis must be taken seriously. This analysis enables the presence or absence of wood-boring insects to be detected before the purchase of a property, to avoid any unpleasant surprises. What does a termite diagnosis involve? Which homes are covered by this analysis? Find out more here!

What is a termite diagnosis?

Termite diagnosis is a compulsory analysis to ensure the viability of a house before it is sold or bought. This type of analysis generally targets xylophagous insects and termites in particular. 

These are so harmful and devastating that they can damage wood and even cause a house to collapse. Carried out by professional, certified and well-equipped diagnosticians, the diagnosis involves taking stock of the situation.

Which properties or homes are covered by this diagnosis?

Although mandatory, the diagnosis only takes effect when a prefectoral decree is in force in the département where the property is located. More explicitly, termite diagnosis depends on the date and the environment in which the house is located. 

If you are in a situation where your house is new, but located in a département where the prefectoral decree is in force, the diagnosis must be carried out.

The French Ministry of Ecology provides an official map of the départements concerned by termite diagnosis. This map is updated regularly and can be consulted to check whether or not the analysis is feasible.

How long is the diagnosis valid for and what does it contain?

Once the report has been completed, the termite diagnosis is valid for six months. To find out the exact period, simply check the date shown on the report. All potential buyers should pay close attention to the validity date. If the diagnosis is more than 6 months old when you sign the deed of sale, you will have to postpone the date of agreement to sell and go for another diagnosis.

The report on the presence of termites must include the following information:

  • The properties concerned;
  • Parts visited;
  • Elements infested by wood-eating insects ;
  • Items that have been infected in the past.

When the presence of termites is stipulated in the diagnostic report, measures must necessarily be taken. The aim is to eradicate them completely.

What are the consequences for the deed of sale?

The buyer gets the property back as is, and can therefore decide to sign an agreement of sale despite the positive diagnosis report. However, the contract may be scrutinised and called into question if the diagnosis is false or uncertified. 

This is where the DGCCRF comes in, with its powers to penalise owners or sellers. They can be fined up to €300,000 and even imprisoned for up to two years.

Termite treatment

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