The pest inspection report (etat parasitaire) is a property diagnostic that searches for the presence of wood-boring insects (termites, longhorn beetles, woodworms, lyctus beetles) and wood-decay fungi in a building. The termite diagnostic, which constitutes its mandatory component in Paris, must be appended to any promise or deed of sale. Its validity is limited to 6 months, making it one of the most short-lived diagnostics in the sales file.
Introduction
Paris is entirely classified as a termite risk zone by prefectoral order. In 2026, the arrondissements historically most affected by termite infestations are the 13th, 14th, 5th and 6th, due to soil composition and proximity to the Seine. For a buyer, careful reading of the pest inspection report is a step that cannot be overlooked, especially in older buildings with timber structures. As a property hunter in Paris, I have already encountered cases of undetected infestations that led to structural repair works costing tens of thousands of euros.
Contents
- What the pest inspection report looks for
- Termite risk zones in Paris
- Difference between pest inspection and dry rot diagnostic
- Cost, validity and process
- Consequences for the buyer
- FAQ
What the pest inspection report looks for {#contenu-etat-parasitaire}
The pest inspection report, in its full version, aims to detect two categories of pests that attack wood in buildings.
Wood-boring insects feed on wood and deteriorate its internal structure. Termites are the most destructive: they carve invisible galleries from the outside and can weaken beams, floors and roof structures without visible damage. Longhorn beetles (capricornes des maisons) attack softwoods (roof frames, fir or pine beams). Woodworms (petite and grosse vrillettes) perforate wood leaving characteristic small holes. Lyctus beetles target hardwoods (oak parquet, furniture).
Wood-decay fungi degrade wood by making it spongy and crumbly. Dry rot (merule) is the most feared fungus because it can destroy a floor in just a few months under favourable conditions (humidity, lack of ventilation). Other fungi such as cellar fungus (coniophore des caves) are also searched for.
The diagnostician visually inspects all accessible wooden elements in the property: roof structure, beams, floors, skirting boards, door and window frames, woodwork. They probe the wood with an awl to detect weakened areas. They look for signs of activity: sawdust, galleries, droppings, emergence holes, fungal traces.
The report distinguishes examined zones from inaccessible zones (behind linings, under floor coverings). This distinction is important: the absence of detection in accessible zones does not guarantee the complete absence of infestation throughout the building.
Termite risk zones in Paris {#zones-risque-paris}
The entire territory of Paris is covered by a prefectoral order classifying the city as a termite risk zone. The termite diagnostic is therefore mandatory for any property sale in Paris.
Some arrondissements, however, present a statistically higher risk. The 13th and 14th arrondissements are historically the most affected, linked to the limestone subsoil and former quarries. The 5th arrondissement, with its old buildings and damp cellars close to the Seine, also has recurring cases. The 6th and 15th arrondissements are also regularly affected.
Subterranean termites, the most common species in Paris, progress through soil and foundations. They travel up through walls and utility shafts to reach woodwork higher up. A building may be infested on the ground floor without the upper floors being affected yet, but spread is a matter of time without treatment.
The Paris city hall records termite declarations and provides a consultable register. However, this register only covers declared cases. In practice, many infestations go unreported.
At Home Select, our property hunters pay particular attention to the pest inspection report in high-risk arrondissements, especially for ground-floor apartments or lower floors of older timber-framed buildings.
Difference between pest inspection and dry rot diagnostic {#difference-merule}
The pest inspection report and the dry rot diagnostic are two distinct assessments that partially overlap.
The pest inspection report is a comprehensive diagnostic covering both wood-boring insects and wood-decay fungi. In its regulatory component (termite diagnostic), it is mandatory in Paris for any sale. It searches for all biological agents that degrade wood.
The dry rot diagnostic focuses specifically on the fungus Serpula lacrymans (merule pleureuse). It is not mandatory as part of a sale but is strongly recommended in risk areas. In Paris, buildings with chronic humidity problems (damp cellars, water infiltration, ventilation defects) are the most exposed. For a detailed analysis of this fungus and its consequences, see our guide on dry rot.
In practice, a thorough pest inspection carried out by a competent diagnostician includes a search for dry rot. However, the mandatory regulatory termite diagnostic may be limited to termite detection without covering fungi. It is therefore recommended to explicitly request a full pest inspection report rather than a simple termite diagnostic.
Both diagnostics share a common factor: humidity is the primary trigger, both for termites (which need water) and for dry rot (which thrives in humid, poorly ventilated environments). A ground-floor apartment in a building in the 4th arrondissement close to the Seine combines risk factors for both types of pests.
Cost, validity and process {#cout-validite}
Cost. A termite diagnostic in Paris costs between 100 and 200 euros for an apartment, depending on size and complexity. A full pest inspection (including all wood-boring insects and fungi) costs between 150 and 300 euros. These prices apply to a standard dwelling. For a private mansion or large property in the 7th arrondissement, the cost may be higher.
Validity. The termite diagnostic is valid for 6 months from its date of completion. This is the shortest validity period of all property diagnostics. If the diagnostic is more than 6 months old on the day the final deed is signed, it must be renewed. This requirement reflects how quickly an infestation can appear or develop.
Process. The certified diagnostician visits the property and visually examines all accessible wooden elements. The inspection covers the private areas of the unit being sold. The diagnostician does not dismantle or drill elements: the examination is visual and by awl probing. They record in their report the zones examined, the inaccessible zones, and where applicable, the signs of infestation detected.
The pest inspection report precisely identifies the biological agents detected and locates the infested areas. It does not prescribe works, but its conclusions allow the buyer to have a specialist professional assess the cost of treatment.
Consequences for the buyer {#consequences-acheteur}
The discovery of an infestation in the pest inspection report has practical and financial consequences for the buyer.
Declaration obligation. If termites are present, the owner must file a declaration at the town hall within 30 days. This obligation applies to the seller if the discovery occurs before the sale, or to the buyer after acquisition.
Treatment cost. Curative treatment against termites costs between 2,000 and 8,000 euros for a Parisian apartment, depending on the extent of the infestation and the technique used (product injection into the wood, trap installation, chemical barrier treatment). Treatments for longhorn beetles or woodworms are generally less expensive, between 1,000 and 3,000 euros.
Structural repair works. If the infestation has weakened load-bearing elements (beams, floor joists), reinforcement or replacement works are necessary. The cost can reach 15,000 to 30,000 euros for replacing floor joists in a Haussmann-era apartment.
Negotiation factor. A pest inspection report revealing an infestation constitutes a price negotiation argument. The buyer can request a reduction corresponding to the cost of treatment and any repair works. At Home Select, we recommend obtaining quotes from a professional before negotiating.
Condition precedent. It is possible to include in the preliminary sales agreement a condition precedent linked to the absence of pest infestation, or to make the sale conditional on the seller carrying out treatment before signing the final deed.
For a thorough analysis of diagnostics and support in your Paris apartment search, contact our property hunters.
FAQ {#faq}
Is the pest inspection report mandatory when selling an apartment in Paris?
The termite diagnostic is mandatory in areas designated by prefectoral order. Paris is entirely covered by a prefectoral order making the termite diagnostic compulsory for any sale. The full pest inspection report (including other wood-boring insects) is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
How long is the pest inspection report valid?
The termite diagnostic is valid for 6 months from the date it was carried out. If the diagnostic is more than 6 months old on the day the final deed is signed, a new diagnostic must be performed. This short validity period is explained by how quickly an infestation can develop.
What should you do if the pest inspection reveals termites?
The owner must file a declaration at the town hall within 30 days of the discovery. Curative treatment is necessary, costing between 2,000 and 8,000 euros depending on the extent of the infestation. For the buyer, the presence of termites is a price negotiation factor and may justify a condition precedent.
Frequently asked questions
Is the pest inspection report mandatory when selling an apartment in Paris?
The termite diagnostic is mandatory in areas designated by prefectoral order. Paris is entirely covered by a prefectoral order making the termite diagnostic compulsory for any sale. The full pest inspection report (including other wood-boring insects) is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
How long is the pest inspection report valid?
The termite diagnostic is valid for 6 months from the date it was carried out. If the diagnostic is more than 6 months old on the day the final deed is signed, a new diagnostic must be performed. This short validity period is explained by how quickly an infestation can develop.
What should you do if the pest inspection reveals termites?
The owner must file a declaration at the town hall within 30 days of the discovery. Curative treatment is necessary, costing between 2,000 and 8,000 euros depending on the extent of the infestation. For the buyer, the presence of termites is a price negotiation factor and may justify a condition precedent.
