Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 135)

A close up of a been in a pool.
DIY

Here’s How Your Pool Attracts Bees—And How You Can Keep Them Away (Without Killing Them)

Bees are vital to the ecosystem, but not to your pool party. Understanding the basics of bee behavior can help you encourage them to relocate of their own accord.

A small house on an open sunny plot displaying heat-resistant building materials.
Green Building & Remodeling

10 Heat-Resilient Materials That Prove Home Building Is Adapting to Climate Change

Keep your home cool and energy-efficient with these innovative technologies.

A side by side photo showing a heat pump water heater on the left and a tankless water heater on the right, both installed in a residential garage.
Water Heaters

Heat Pump Water Heater vs. Tankless: 5 Key Comparisons

Which water heater is best for your home?

Anker SOLIX F3800 During a Hurricane

Can a Portable Power Station Run the Whole Home? Anker’s Latest Does

Powering all of your essential appliances during the next blackout is easy with the Anker SOLIX F3800 and Home Power Panel.

A person is repairing a white plaster wall with a plaster trowel.
Walls & Ceilings

How to Patch Plaster Walls

Repairing holes in plaster walls is easy with some patching plaster, a few tools, and a little bit of practice.

Two shelves of potted plants at a home improvement center, with a "Clearance" sign hanging from one shelf.
Gardening

The Year’s Best Plant Bargains Are On Now—But Read This Before You Buy

Growing conditions tend to be less than ideal in July, however, with these expert tips you can take advantage of the deep discounts your local gardening center is offering.

The Best Carpet Sweeper Options
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Carpet Sweepers Tested for Quickly Cleaning Messes

A compact, lightweight carpet sweeper helps keep floors free of dust, dander, and debris without a heavy vacuum.

gazebo plans
DIY

8 Gazebo Plans for Building a Shaded Hangout in Your Yard

Let one of these downloadable plans guide you in building a DIY gazebo to add style, charm, and comfort to your yard.

Exterior of red brick home with slate-colored asphalt roof.
Roofing

Asphalt Shingles 101

Learn everything you need to know about asphalt shingles—their type, style, color choices, cost and durability.

A backyard brick patio with tables under green umbrellas and potted plants.
Deck, Patio & Porch

How to Build a Brick Patio

Few do-it-yourself weekend projects deliver the beauty, utility, and overall satisfaction that building a brick patio does.

The Best Sprinkler Valves
Reviews

The Best Sprinkler Valves for Well-Watered Plants and Grass

Replacing a worn sprinkler valve isn’t complicated. Find out what different valves do and how to choose one that best suits your sprinkler system.

A person's hand is touching ground cover plants.
Gardening

8 Edible Ground Covers for Foodscape Gardens

Get more out of your foodscape garden by growing these adaptable ground covers for edible leaves, fruit, and flowers.

Dynaming Solar Post Cap Light on fence post
Reviews

The Best Solar Post Cap Lights for Your Deck or Fence

Keep the party going late into the evening with solar post cap lights to illuminate your deck or yard.

A close up of a smoke alarm against the a blurred background picturing a living room.
Home Safety

7 Home Fire Safety and Prevention Tips You Should Never Skip

Don’t get caught off-guard by disaster.

3 Lenox forged steel aviation tin snips on reclaimed wood planks.
Reviews

Lenox Aviation Tin Snips Review: Durable and Smooth-Cutting

Powerful, durable, and easy to squeeze, these could be the tin snips you’ve been looking for.

White Air King Commercial-Grade Box Fan on wood floor in front of box
Reviews

Air King Commercial-Grade Box Fan Review: Perfect for Stuffy Bedrooms

Cool down a stuffy bedroom without spiking your electricity bill. This commercial-grade box fan delivers impressive airflow to make your space more comfortable on warmer nights.

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent on a patio
Reviews

It Doesn’t Spray or Zap, But Does It Work? A Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Review 

Trade your bug sprays and zappers for this silent and odorless mosquito repeller.

Blackstone griddle at a campsite in front of orange tent
Appliances & Cookware

The Best Blackstone Grills for Sizzling Good Food

Here are our picks for the best flat-top grills that this go-to brand has to offer.

Two zero gravity chairs on grass near a river
Outdoor Furniture

The Best Zero-Gravity Chairs for Ultimate Relaxation, Tested

Relax in a zero-gravity chair. Our test team kicked back in these uber-comfortable lounge chairs—find out which ones we liked best.

Close up view of a cricket on a wood table.
Garden Pests

How to Get Rid of Crickets

Are you finding crickets in the house? Here's how to get rid of crickets and keep them from coming back.