Where Can I Find Reliable Bat Control Service Near Me?

If you suspect you may have a colony of bats living inside your building or around our property, it is important to act fast. The longer bats reside within your property, the more damage will result, including health and safety threats. But keep in mind, bat removal is not a DIY job under any circumstances. It is vital to leave bat control duties in the hands of a trained professional, not just for safety, but also for legalities, home warranties, and much more. So, how do you know which company to trust for the job?

Continue reading to learn what you can do to ensure you are hiring a trusted and dependable company for bat removal and control services in your town.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Qualities to Look for in a Bat Control Company

There are certain qualities to consider when searching for a dependable and honest bat removal and control company in your town, including credentials, amenities, and of course, local reputation. Such qualities can be an excellent indication of the integrity and reliability of the business. 

First, a dependable and trustworthy bat exclusion company should be licensed and insured, including a DNR licensed which is granted through the Department of Natural Resources. This indicates they are true, industry professionals.

The next quality to look for is experience. Be sure to inquire about a company or contractor’s experience in the field. There are many things to learn about wildlife exclusion, and choosing a company that has been doing bat removal for decades will certainly know what they are doing. A novice might make some rookie mistakes that cost you in the end.

Next, consider asking about their fleet equipment and methods they use to execute their services. It is important to know what kind of machines and tools will be used inside your home, as well as, how equipped they are to even do the job correctly. This is information you have every right to know before giving your money away.

A great quality to explore in a bat exclusion company is references.  Any professional company should have multiple references, testimonials, fan pages, or other sources of customer reviews to prove their merit. Be sure to investigate all these avenues before deciding on a company to trust.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control You Can Trust

Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate for Louisville bat removal services, today. We offer a wide range of safe and humane bat removal and control services for both residential and commercial properties within Central Kentucky, at the most competitive prices in town. That means you can get affordable bat removal and control you can trust. It was over 30 years of experience under our belts, you can feel confident in our results.

Why You Need Restoration Service After a Bat Infestation

When it comes to bat removal and control, getting rid of bats is only a part of the process. Bats leave behind horrible messes that are both structurally damaging and unsanitary. Everything from walls, ceilings, and floorboards, to attic insulation, electrical wiring, rooftops, and siding, are all targets of bat droppings and structural damage. Not only can this lower your total property value and jeopardize your investment, it poses several serious health and safety risks.

Continue reading to learn more about the cleanup and restoration process the follows bat removal, and what you need to know about a common health concern related to bat droppings.

Louisville Bat Removal and Cleanup 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal and Cleanup 502-553-7622

Cleaning Up After Bats

One of the most vital parts of bat cleaning is hazardous waste removal. Bat guano can develop a fungal disease known as Histoplasmosis; and if the spores of this fungus enter the air ducts, they can be dispersed all throughout the property. If inhaled, they can cause serious respiratory illness. In fact, it can be fatal to young children, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The Dangers of Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection of the lungs that develops on bat guano. It is caused by the fungus, Histoplasma. Generally, it grows in wet soil abundant in bird or bat droppings; however, the fungus commonly grows on nitrogen-rich bat guano. In the case of a bat infestation, this fungal infection can put people and pets at risk because its spores can become airborne and circulate through a property’s indoor environment. If inhaled, the fungal infection can be contracted by other living organisms.

Infants, young children, and those with suppressed immune systems are at higher risk of contracting histoplasmosis. Most people, especially those in good health, will not require any treatment if infected, and instead, will naturally heal on their own with ample rest and fluids. However, more vulnerable individuals, such as the ones mentioned before, can become seriously ill and require professional treatment. The most common signs of Histoplasmosis sickness includes high fever, cough, and fatigue.

Structural Damages

An equally vital part of bat cleanup is structural damage repair. This is important if you want to maintain a safe and structurally sound property, remain within local health codes, and prevent dangerous accidents. For these reasons and more, it is important to address your property’s sanitation and repair needs immediately after a bat infestation.

The most common nuisance bat species in Kentucky are Little Brown bats, Big Brown bats, and Hoary bats. Because of their extremely small size, they only need a gap that is about 3/8ths of an inch in order to get inside a property. They often target crumbling mortar, dry rotting wood, attic vents, exterior cracks, loose siding, garages, crawl spaces, porches, and more.

Remedies

As you can now gather, it is critical to your safety and budget to address a bat infestation problem as soon as possible. Contact a licensed, bonded, and insured Kentucky bat removal company for expert service you can trust.  Look for professionals who operate within established industry standards and best practices, and, in accordance with local, state, and federal laws that govern wildlife. It is wise to choose a company that also provides insurance claim work for bat damages.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control You Can Trust

Call 553-502-7622 for prompt and professional 24 hour bat removal in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding areas. We are DNR licensed bat removal contractors that offer safe and non-lethal, 24 hour bat extraction and exclusion services for residential and commercial properties. We also provide bat cleanup and minor attic restorations for bat damages too. Request a free estimate, anytime.

The Safest Way to Deal With Bats Around Your House

If you live near a large body of water, such as a flowing creek, river, pond, or lake, chances are, you also live near trees and other types of foliage. With all of these factors in place, it is common to have nuisance wildlife problems, especially bats. Although all animals like to stay near a reliable source of water, bats are very strict about this. So having bat activity around your house should not be a surprise if your property fits the above-mentioned landscaping.

So what can you do about a nuisance bat problem? The important part of getting rid of bats is to never do anything that will harm yourself, the bats, other wildlife, or the surrounding environment. What options does this leave you? Continue reading to learn the safest and fastest way to stop bats from coming around your house.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

An Important Warning

There are two important warnings when it comes to bat control. First, keep in mind that bats are known carriers of several infectious diseases, such as Rabies. They can also spread parasites like lice, mites, and ticks. If you have pets, it is wise to ensure their vaccines are up to date after spotting bats around the house. Now, the second warning is about the law. Bats are actually vital to our surrounding ecosystems and even our economy, which is why they are protected under law.

For all of these reasons combined, you should NEVER attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. Furthermore, do not keep a baby bat as a pet. See our blog, “How to Be Bat Friendly” to learn how to support local bat populations without jeopardizing safety or posing any risk to your home.

What To Do About Bats

The first step you should take if you want to reduce the amount of bat activity around your house is to make some environmental changes. This means removing or adjusting areas of your property that bats like, or are attracted to, such as log piles, hollowed trees, bird baths, and more. It also means repairing the exterior of your home to prevent bat intrusions. Have your siding and roofing inspected for vulnerabilities, as well as, your windows, doors, and foundation.

Once you have done your part, it might not be enough to fully control nuisance bat activity. In almost all cases, homeowners must rely on professional bat removal and control services for optimal results. Contact a DNR licensed and insured bat removal specialist for help dealing with nuisance bats around your house. They have the experience, permits, and resources to safely abate bat problems.

Where Can I Find Safe Bat Control in Louisville?

Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville bat removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured bat control contractors who use safe, non-lethal methods of wildlife extraction and exclusion. We serve both residential and commercial clients, and at the most competitive prices in town. Emergency 24 hour bat removal service is also available. Request a free estimate, today.

FAQS About Diseases Spread By Bats

Zoonotic viruses are those than can pass from one animal to another, and bats are known hosts to more than 60 of them. Furthermore, they are carriers of several other infectious viruses, bacteria, and parasites. However, just because a bat is a host does not mean they are infected, or even contagious.

Continue reading to review the most frequently asked questions about bats and disease.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

What Diseases Can Bats Spread?

Bats are most known for being carriers of the Rabies virus. It is also possible for bats to carry the SARS virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome), however, it is rare, and the transmission from bat to human is even rarer. Other than zoonotic viruses, bats can also cause additional health concerns.

Their droppings (guano) can grow fungi spores (Histoplasma Capsulatum) that become airborne. If inhaled, it can cause a respiratory illness known as Histoplasmosis, which can be incredibly severe for young children, elderly folks, and those with weakened immune systems. Bats can also cause parasitic outbreaks, including lice, bat mites, bed bugs, and fleas.

Is Rabies Fatal for Humans?

When a human has contracted rabies, they will start to display particular signs, in which case they will need to go to the emergency room immediately.  These signs will appear similar to the flu or common cold, with symptoms like headache and fever.  As the virus progresses, other signs such as dizziness, rage, and confusion. 

The incubation period for rabies in the average person is about five to seven days.  All cases of rabies in humans were fatal until the vaccine was invented in the early 1900’s.  Now, if a person is ever infected with Rabies, he or she can go to the emergency room and receive effective treatment to stop the virus from multiplying.

Can Dogs and Cats Catch Diseases From Bats?

All of these illnesses and parasites can all be transmitted to both people and pets. It is important to have your pet properly vaccinated every year to prevent complications or fatalities that result from a wild animal attack or bite. Common pet vaccines include: Rabies, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza. Vaccinations are important for humans as well, especially children and those with weakened immune systems.

How Do Bats Transfer Disease?

The most common means of bacterial or viral transmission is through blood or saliva. This often occurs in the form of a bat bite or scratch. In most cases, a person bitten by a bat will be instructed to immediately seek medical attention. In the case that you or a loved one is bitten by a wild animal, it is important to call your doctor immediately. Depending on the description of the bat and the boosters you have one file, your doctor will determine whether or not you need emergency services.  If a pet is bitten, take them to the emergency vert clinic right away.

Which Illnesses Only Infect Bats?

There are some diseases that can affect bats, but cannot be transmitted to other mammals. The most common disease is called White Nose Syndrome (WNS). It gets its name from the distinctive symptoms it causes in bats, namely a white fungal growth on their noses, muzzles, and other areas of the body.

Geomyces destructans is a newly-discovered fungus that is suspected to cause White Nose Syndrome in bats. Bats infected with WNS will show strange signs and exhibit odd behaviors. This includes daytime activity and clustering near the entry points of their roost. In North America, this disease is spreading quickly among Microchiroptera populations, and has caused millions of bat fatalities.

Managing Nuisance Bat Problems in Louisville

If bats are a nuisance in or around your property, contact 502-553-7622 for safe and non-lethal bat removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and insured bat control contractors who use safe, non-lethal methods of extraction and exclusion. We serve both residential and commercial clients, and at the most competitive prices in town. Emergency 24 hour service is also available. Request a free estimate, today.

Instructions for Installing a Bat House

Bats can certainly be a nuisance problem if they find their way into our homes and buildings. However, bats also serve a highly important ecological purpose that benefits us, our society, other animals, and the entire surrounding ecosystem. Not only do they consume millions on flying insects (like mosquitoes and gnats) each night, which serves as excellent pest control for us and our crops, their guano helps with pollination, soil fertilization, and more. In turn, the benefits bats offer support our local farming and agriculture enterprises in our communities, and enhances the local economy. They also reduce the quantity of mosquito bites we get on a late summer evening.

If you want to do your part to support local bat populations in your area, you can choose to install a bat house on your property. Continue reading to learn the proper guidelines and recommendations for bat house safety, including instructions on how to install a bat house.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Obtaining a Bat House

You can purchase blueprints online and build your own bat house, but only do so if you are a highly familiar with wood work and building. There are many complex and vital factors that must be taken into consideration when constructing a bat house, so it requires a higher level of skill and experience. If you are not a seasoned carpenter, it is recommended to simply purchase a pre-constructed bat house, online or at your local home and garden store. These are already constructed in adherence to all best practices and humane awareness in the industry.

Installing a Bat House

It is important to never install a bat house near your own house or a neighbor’s house. Furthermore, never mount bat houses directly onto trees. Bats, especially pups, are too vulnerable to predators and other dangers if roosting on the side of a tree. Also, the house does not get enough sunlight to keep it warm inside since it is blocked by the tree’s canopy, and tree limbs can get in the way of a bat’s entry and exit point. Instead, mount your bat houses on metal poles, wooden posts, pivot poles, or on a side of a building, like a shed or barn.

To install your bat house, simply follow the manufacturers instructions provided. If you are building your own bat house, follow these tips:

☑ Choose an area that faces either East or South, and receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight.

☑ Keep the bat house at least 20 to 30 feet away from obstructing branches and tree limbs.

☑ Place the house in a spot near a natural body of water, like a stream, creek, or pond.

☑ Be sure the bat house is 10 to 20 feet off the ground or tallest plant.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville bat removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured bat control contractors who use safe, non-lethal methods of extraction and exclusion. We serve both residential and commercial clients, and at the most competitive prices in town. Emergency 24 hour service is also available. Request a free estimate, today.

Kentucky Laws About Tampering With Wild Bats

Here in Kentucky, certain species of wild animals are protected under state law. This means that you can be penalized on several different levels if you are caught and convicted of such conduct. This is important information for those who are dealing with nuisance bat problems since it is possible to break the law without having any actual intention. Basically, what seems like an act of protecting your property may actually be against the law.

This scenario is made even more serious considering 3 of Kentucky’s native bat species are federally endangered, and thus, protected on a federal level. This means that a person can face felony charges for tampering with one of these species. If you have nuisance bat activity around your property, be sure to educate yourself on what you can and cannot do within the limits of the state and federal laws governing bats.

Continue reading to learn the Kentucky laws about bat tampering, as well as, how to get rid of bats safely and legally.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

The Laws Surrounding Wild Bats

According to KY.Gov, the official website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, all bats in the state are protected by law. What does this mean for you? It means that it is illegal to trap, domesticate, breed, harm, or kill a bat. Furthermore, there are no intoxicants, or repellents, that are legal for bat control applications. There are exceptions to this law, for instance, in the case that it is proven that bats are damaging a property.

Possible Penalties

If an individual is caught tampering or harming bats, they can face both criminal and civil penalties. This includes jail time, hefty fines, restitution, community service, banishment, loss of professional licenses, loss of gun privileges, and more. It depends on the severity and scope of the incident.

To Get Rid of Nuisance Bats

There are several ways to manage nuisance bat activity on and around your property without harming or jeopardizing the well-being of the local bat populations. In fact, there are several ways you can be bat friendly, while also protecting your home from bat damages. Talk to a DNR licensed and insured bat control company for help dealing with bat problems. They have the knowledge and resources to remove bats safely, bat-proof your home, and more.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional Louisville bat removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control professionals with more than two decades of experience working with bats. We offer residential and commercial abatement services, including minor attic restorations for bat damages. Request a free estimate, today.

Should I Be Threatened By the Presence of Bats?

Local bat populations serve a vital ecological importance, which in turn, provides us with several economic benefits as a society. However, when bats get too close, they can inadvertently become a nuisance. If you have notices an exponential presence of bat activity around your house or business, it is important to ensure your property is safeguarded against intrusion and safety hazards.

Continue reading to learn which types of risks nuisance bats pose to you and your property, as well as, how to get rid of them in accordance to local ordinances and best practices.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control Services
Bats should only be handled by licensed professionals.

Disease

The most important reason why you do not want bats too close to your property is the risk of disease. Not only are bats known carriers of the Rabies virus, which once contracted is 100% fatal, they can also possess and transmit several other types of diseases, health complications, and outbreaks. Such risks include Histoplasmosis, which is an upper respiratory disease contracted as a result of toxic spores that grow on bat guano. See our blog, “What is Histoplasmosis?” to learn more about this disease, including who it affects the most and how to prevention tips. Additional risks include lice, mites, ticks, fleas, and other parasites.

Structural Damage

Bats in the Kentucky regions are very small. So small in fact, most can squeeze themselves through an opening as little as 3/8ths of an inch, or .037 inches. To give you an idea of how small this is, consider a dime, which is around .053 inches thick. This means that the tiniest opening in window screens, siding, roof shingles, crumbling mortar, and more, can be an open door for bats to come inside and roost. Furthermore, bats are not solitary, so where there’s one, there’s typically handfuls more. Once inside, bats soil every surface with their droppings, which can result in stains, leaks, wood rot, and all types of costly structural damages.

How to Safely Get Rid of Bats

As mentioned before, bats are important ecologically, which is why they are also protected under law. It is illegal to trap, harm, or kill bats in Kentucky. For this reason, it is necessary to hire a licensed and insured wildlife abatement company that provides non-lethal bat removal services in your town. Coming across a dead, dying, or abandoned bat is also common if you have bats around your property, so you should know how to respond if it ever happens to you. See our blogs, “What to Do If You Find a Dead Bat” and “What To Do If You Find a Bat on the Ground” to be prepared.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control You Can Trust

Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate for Louisville bat removal and control, today. We offer a wide range of safe and humane bat removal and control services for both residential and commercial properties within Central Kentucky, at the most competitive prices in town. That means you can get affordable bat removal and control you can trust. It was over 30 years of experience under our belts, you can feel confident in our results.

The Basic Principles of Echolocation in Bats

By now, you are well-informed that bats are not blind. In fact, they see quite well. Their echolocating abilities are more than just a visual guide; they are a biological instrument that provides an advantage in many areas of Microchiroptera bat life. Here in this blog, you will learn the fundamental facts surrounding echolocation and bats, including which bats are not equipped with natural echolocating abilities.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

What is Echolocation?

Dictionary.com defines echolocation as, “the general method of locating objects by determining the time for an echo to return and the direction from which it returns, as by radar or sonar.” But in terms of animals, like bats, they better define it as, “the sonar-like system used by (…) animals to detect and locate objects by emitting usually high-pitched sounds that reflect off the object and return to the animal’s ears or other sensory receptors.”

In plain language, echolocation is like sonar, in that you let out a sound wave, wait for the sound wave to come back to you, and then use that data to define an environmental guide for whatever application you need.

Bats are not the only animals who use echolocation; dolphins and whales are well-known echolocating species, as well as, some birds and species of shrew, and possibly even hedgehogs, are suspected of using the same type of biological gift. For these animals, the primary purposes of echolocation are coordination and direction, evading obstacles, hunting or obtaining food, and interacting socially.

How Does it Work?

Although it is not yet fully understood by the scientific community how echolocation in bats works, but we do have a basic theory. Scientists and researchers have ultimately determined that bats have built-in vocal chords that vibrate when they move air past them.

They emit these extremely high-pitched sounds from their mouths (or sometimes noses) as they fly, which in turn, travel through the air as a sound wave. These traveling sound waves have energy that bounces off anything it comes into contact with.

After emitting these extremely high-pitched sound waves, bats listen carefully for their return, and use the time data to configure their surroundings more precisely. They use this to dart and dive for flying insects, better navigate obstructions, and more.

Dealing With Nuisance Bats?

Although bats are an important part of our Eco-system, and even our economy, they can sometimes pose certain threats if their colonies get too close. If you suspect you have issues with bats, or a bat infestation in the attic or other area of your home, contact our DNR licensed and insured professionals at 553-502-7622 for safe and humane bat control service in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding counties. We have more than two decades of experience working with bats, and offer both residential and commercial bat removal and control services, including minor attic restorations for bat damages. Request a free estimate, today.

Do Bats Live Near My House?

Are you concerned about nuisance bats? If so, there are plenty of precautions you can take to protect your assets from animal damage, as well as your loved ones from exposure to infectious diseases and injuries. But first, assess whether or not bats are actually a threat in your area. Chances are, there are local bat populations that exist within your community; however, whether or not they will actually affect your home or property largely depends on your environmental surroundings.

Continue reading to learn how to spot bat activity in and around your property, and what you can do to protect your home and loved ones from nuisance bats.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Environmental Factors

As mentioned, whether or not bats are indeed a possible threat depends on certain factors, namely environmental ones. You see, here in Kentucky, bats are insectivores, which means they eat a diet of insects, mostly flying sorts like gnats, flies, moths, and of course, mosquitoes. They also eat termites, beetles, and several others types of insects, but the flying bugs will easily give away a bat’s location.

Why? Well these insects typically group together in large swarms, which are very visible during dusk. And where do these bugs like to fly? Around water, like streams, creeks, ponds, lakes, and rivers. So if your home is located near a body of water such as these, you can be sure there are bats living nearby that eat up all the swarming insects each night.

To see for yourself, go outside right before the sun sets, when the light is still bright, but receding. Then look above an area of water for a swarm of insects. Be patient, and wait for any signs of bats. If you see a bird-like animal swooping down and darting through the swarm of insects, you are witnessing a bat eating its dinner! They are actually the world’s greatest built-in pest control because a single bat can consume more than 1,000 mosquitoes in just one night! You can thank them for your comfortable backyards and picnic areas.

Want to learn other ways to spot bat activity in and around your house? See our blog, “Top 5 Indications That You Have a Bat Infestation” to develop a checklist that can be investigated for clues.

Safe and Humane Bat Control in Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville bat removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured bat control contractors who use safe, non-lethal methods of wildlife extraction and exclusion. We serve both residential and commercial clients, and at the most competitive prices in town. Emergency 24 hour bat removal service is also available. Request a free estimate, today.

Most Common Species of Bat Found in Kentucky

Several species of bat are regularly found dwelling inside residential and commercial structures. The most common species include the Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat, but there are many more species that tend to be native to the Kentucky area. To start, you may enjoy our blog, “Interesting Facts About the Little Brown Bat” since this is among the most common species here in the state. Below, you will find a complete list of the most common bat species that live in Kentucky and its surrounding regions.

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Bat Species Native to Kentucky:

Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

Eastern Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus)

Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis)

Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)

Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)

Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat (Plecotus rafinesquii)

Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)

Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)

Small-Footed Bat (Myotis leibii)

Southeastern Bat (Myotis austroriparius)

Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Plecotus townsendii virginianus)

Bat Control Services

Here in Kentucky, bats can be a nuisance for residential and commercial property owners. Not only can bats fit through an opening as tiny as 3/8th of an inch, making it simple for them to gain access inside, they are also common carriers of several infectious diseases and parasites. These are reasons enough to ensure your home or building is protected against possible bat intrusions. Contact a licensed and insured bat removal company near you for an on-site inspection and assessment. They can give you all the necessary information and recommendations you need to be ready for bat breeding season, which is coming up very shortly!

If you see or suspect bats around your property, your best approach is to contact a professional right away for an on-site inspection. Bats can cause extensive structural damage, plus pose a long list of health and safety risks, making it a top priority to remove them as soon as they are discovered. A qualified bat removal and control company will inspect your property, inside and out, and then make the proper recommendations needed to have protection against animal intrusions and infestations.

Contact Our DNR Licensed Bat Pros TODAY!

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional Louisville bat removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed wildlife control contractors who provide residential and commercial bat removal services at competitive prices. Whether you have one bat or an entire colony, we are fully equipped to manage any job regardless of size or scope. Request a free estimate, today.