The French government have published a map showing those areas of the country where termites are present.

The problem of termites is widespread in France, although it is most severe in the South West.

In order to assist in the reduction and eradication of termite infestations there are a number of regulations in place.

One of the most important of these regulations is that within a commune contaminated with termites, sellers are required to have a termite survey undertaken of their property.

This survey is part of the wider Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) all owners are required to provide to buyers.

In addition, any owner who at any time discovers termites in their property is obliged to make a compulsory declaration to their local mairie.

The mairie  can also require any property owner to undertake a survey of their property and, in the worst case circumstances, insist that they undertake treatment and removal of the infestation that may be found.

The map below, prepared by the French government, shows those areas of the country where termites are present.

The red zones indicate the whole area is covered by the regulations, while in the orange areas there are some communes (or parts of some communes) covered by these controls.

Remedial Works

The cost of remedying a termite infestation is substantial. Not only will you pay thousands of euros for the treatment itself, but there is also the cost of repair, removal and replacement of the affected timber.

It is possible to do the treatment work on a DIY basis, but as treatment requires injection into main timbers and walls, without a proper understanding of what you are doing, there is no guarantee it will be successful.