Termite report

The termite report: detecting termites, wood-boring insects and fungi

The parasitic survey, whose best-known regulatory component is the statement on the presence of termites, aims to detect the organisms that degrade wood and, more broadly, the structure of a building. Beyond termites, it looks at other wood-boring insects such as longhorn beetles or furniture beetles, as well as wood-destroying fungi, including the dreaded dry rot that attacks wood in damp environments.

These biological agents often act discreetly, inside the materials, and can compromise the strength of a roof frame or a floor before any visible signs appear. Hence the importance of an examination carried out by a professional trained to recognise their indicators.

A safety issue for the building

An untreated infestation gradually weakens the load-bearing timber elements. Termites dig galleries invisible from the outside, while dry rot can spread rapidly in poorly ventilated areas. Identifying these disorders allows the buyer to gauge the real condition of the property and anticipate any treatments, which are sometimes substantial.

In which cases and for which properties the report is required

The statement on termites is mandatory for a sale when the property lies within an area delimited by a prefectural order declaring the municipality contaminated or likely to become so. This obligation concerns all types of built structures, houses as well as flats, as soon as they are located in an area thus classified. Outside these zones, the search remains strongly recommended but is not imposed by law.

The detection of other parasites, such as wood-destroying fungi, is not systematically regulated but usefully fits into the examination when signs of dampness or degradation are present.

What the diagnostician inspects

• Accessible timber elements: roof frames, floors, beams, skirting boards and door frames.
• Signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, tunnel galleries or wood that sounds hollow.
• Traces of wood-boring insects: exit holes, wood dust, presence of larvae.
• Signs of wood-destroying fungi, notably filaments and the deformation of damp wood.
• At-risk areas such as cellars, crawl spaces, attics and the immediate surroundings of the building.

How the visit unfolds

The professional carries out a careful visual examination and performs non-destructive probing on accessible timber, using an awl to test its resistance. The duration of the intervention varies according to the surface and the number of levels to inspect. For a complete examination, it is preferable to clear access to cellars, attics and cupboards, and to report any dampness already observed.

What the report reveals

The report specifies, room by room and element by element, the presence or absence of detected agents, the location of any disorders and the extent of the inspected or inaccessible areas. It does not prescribe treatment but provides an objective observation serving as a basis for any decisions on the buyer’s part.

A six-month validity

The statement on termites must be less than six months old at the time of signing the deed of sale. This short duration reflects the changing nature of an infestation: a property that is sound at a given moment may be colonised a few months later. An expired document must therefore be renewed before the sale is concluded.

The consequences of a missing or dated report

In an area subject to the obligation, the absence of a termite statement or the provision of an expired document deprives the seller of the guarantee that normally exempts them from hidden defects relating to the presence of parasites. A buyer who later discovers an infestation can then turn against the seller and hold them liable, potentially leading to a renegotiation or compensation for the loss.

The price of the termite report

The rate depends on the surface of the property, the number of levels and annexes to inspect, and the accessibility of the sensitive areas. A single-storey dwelling is checked more quickly than a multi-storey house with attics and basements. Bundling this diagnostic with the other examinations required for the sale most often helps to optimise its cost.

Frequently asked questions about the termite report

Is the search for dry rot included in the termite statement?

The regulatory statement specifically covers termites, but an attentive diagnostician reports any signs of wood-destroying fungi encountered during the visit. In certain affected municipalities, specific information on the dry rot risk may also be required.

My dwelling is not in a termite zone: should I have this report done?

It is not a legal obligation, but the step remains advisable, especially for an older property or one exposed to dampness. It protects the buyer and spares the seller future disputes linked to an undisclosed infestation.

What should I do if the report indicates an active presence?

The observation should lead to obtaining a treatment quote from a specialised company. This information, passed on to the buyer, allows the transaction to be handled with full transparency and the necessary works to be anticipated.