Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 108)

8 small chainsaws lined up on the ground
Reviews

The 8 Best Small Chainsaws, Tested and Reviewed

For cutting firewood and maintaining a property, these small chainsaws made the cut in our real-life tests.

A collection of brown bugs.
DIY

Mystery Brown Stains on the Walls? One of These 5 Pests May Be to Blame

Brown stains on the walls can be a valuable clue toward discovering which pest is infesting your home—and some of the culprits are much worse than others.

A small section of a residential xeriscape landscape.
Lawn & Garden

Here’s Why You Should Consider Xeriscape Landscaping—and How to Do It—No Matter Where You Live

Battling drought year after year? It might be time to explore some xeriscaping ideas to protect and enhance your yard.

A close up of a power tool.
DIY

Tools and Equipment You Should Actually Rent, Not Buy (Plus, How to Get Started)

Ownership isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be—here’s when to rent vs. buy equipment, and a few essential tips for a seamless rental experience.

A glass table with a model house sitting atop, and people signing paperwork in the background.
Reviews

7 of the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies Today, Vetted

The best homeowners insurance companies offer reliability, flexibility, and multiple coverage options to appeal to a wide range of homeowners.

A collection of Sunday products.
DIY

We Asked 5 BobVila.com Editors to Try Sunday Lawn—and the Results Shocked Every Single One 

We put Sunday lawn care products to the test in New York, Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, and Colorado for three months—and the results speak for themselves.

A photo of a tornado.
Real Estate

Tornado Alley Is Shifting East—and Homeowners May Not Be Adequately Prepared

A warming climate and extended drought in the West are creating the ideal conditions for tornadic activity in the Southeast or Midwest, essentially shifting Tornado Alley eastward. But with proper preparation, homeowners in these states have a better chance of riding out the storm safely.

Black zip ties on a pink table.
DIY

Yes, It’s Possible to Undo a Zip Tie—Here’s How

Contrary to popular belief, zip ties can be undone and reused.

A large black walnut tree with yellow leaves growing in a field.
Lawn & Garden

Why All Homeowners Should Know How to Identify Black Walnut Trees

While black walnut trees offer many benefits, they can also be problematic if not fully understood.

A group of carpenter ants are moving across a damaged piece of wood.
DIY

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Safely

Don’t let carpenter ants damage your home. Learn the best way to get rid of them—and how to keep them from coming back.

A home entryway with painted blue walls and white trim
Reviews

The Best Low-VOC Paints for the Chemical-Conscious Painter

Keep your indoor air quality healthy with eco-friendly paint that has fewer toxic chemicals.

A home surrounded by a lawn made of wildflowers.
Landscaping

Extend No Mow May Into Slower Mow Summer

Here’s how to keep a pollinator-friendly lawn through the changing seasons after No Mow May is through.

A woman in a yellow bathing suit using the best outdoor shower option
Reviews

The Best Outdoor Showers for Pools, Camping, and More

Outdoor showers can provide anything from a quick, cooling rinse to a luxurious, multi-jet massage. We take a look at the options available.

Deer looking through a wire fence
Reviews

The Best Deer Repellents for Your Lawn and Garden

Deer may look cute, but they can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden. The best deer repellents help keep snacking deer at bay.

A close up of a person seeding a green lawn.
DIY

Ask a Pro: I Love My Shade Trees, But Grass Doesn’t Grow Under Them. What Can I Plant (or Do)?

We tapped the Pest and Lawn Ginja to help answer your most burning lawn care questions. He’s helping you answer them all, from stubborn weed growth and yellow grass to mole and gopher problems.

Man spraying chemicals under a kitchen counter
Reviews

The Best Carpenter Ant Killers to Protect Your Wood Structures

Carpenter ants are troublesome insects that chew through wood, which may include the framework of a home. Eliminate infestations and prevent new colonies from forming with a carpenter ant killer.

Modern kitchen island with black boho chairs.
Design

14 Ideas for Kitchen Island Seating

Whether eating or entertaining, island seating offers families and guests a place to relax and connect. Get inspiration for stools, benches, and chairs that can be put on display or tucked away.

A burglar in a black ski mask is seen breaking into a home through a window.
Exterior

9 Ways to Secure and Burglar-Proof Your Windows

One of the best ways to protect your home is with burglar-proof windows. From installing entry sensors to upgrading locks, here’s how to easily secure your property.

A frog swims in a pool.
DIY

10 Ways to Keep Frogs From Hopping Into Your Pool

The very features that make a pool pleasant for homeowners and their guests (such as warm, clean, bug-free water) can also keep amphibian intruders at bay.

An aerial shot of a landscaped lawn.
DIY

5 Unmistakable Signs You Hired the Wrong Landscaper—And How to Avoid Making the Same Mistake Twice

Letting someone else do the heavy lifting of landscaping can be a weight off a homeowner’s mind—but having the wrong landscaper can make the process miserable. Know the signs so you can move on to another service if necessary.