Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 149)

Bites But No Signs of Bugs
Pests

Solved! I Have Bites—But No Signs of Bugs in My Home. What’s Happening?

Red, itchy bumps are incredibly uncomfortable and unsightly to deal with. If you have bites but no signs of bugs in your home, you’ll need to determine whether an insect—or any number of medical conditions—is the cause.

Tiny Red Bugs
Pests

Solved! What Are These Tiny Red Bugs In My Home?

Spotting tiny red bugs can be frightening at first, but homeowners can keep them out for good with the right preventative measures. Here’s more information on those tiny red bugs in the home.

Central AC Not Blowing Cold Air
Heating & Cooling

Why Is My Central AC Not Blowing Cold Air?

The summer heat can make being inside a hot house a miserable experience. Homeowners with a central AC not blowing cold air will want to have a pro on speed dial after trying a few troubleshooting ideas.

Three workers install a new generator outside a home.
Generators

How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost, and Should You Get One?

A generator can keep a home up and running during a power outage. A typical whole-house generator costs between $1,524 and $8,658, with the average consumer spending about $5,090.

Possum vs. Opossum
Wildlife

What’s the Difference? Possum vs. Opossum

What's the difference between a possum and an opossum? While they have similar names, possums and opossums are distinct animals. Here are seven key differences between these marsupials.

Collage of multiple products on a green background
Deals

Our Favorite Finds From 4th of July Sales: Up to $300 Off Tools, Mowers, Grills, and Patio Gear

These 4th of July sales are too hot to pass up but hurry, they won't last long.

A person holding a head of cabbage just harvested out of a home garden with a graphic overlay that says plant care 101.
Gardening

How to Grow Cabbage for an Early Fall Harvest and Winter Storage

If you are green and hesitant about growing a cabbage plant, we can help you bring it to a head!

A small, bright room in a stylish studio-style room or apartment.
DIY

10 Little Things That Bother Me About My Home—And How I Live Around Them

Some fixes require a pro, or at least some DIY cred. But I solved a few annoyances in my new home without spending much money or time.

Various DeWalt batteries set up for display
Deals

Time Is Running Out on Your Chance for Free DeWalt Tools

You can still score free DeWalt tools at Lowe's. Hurry, this deal won't last long!

When to Aerate the Lawn? Solved!
Landscaping

Solved! Here’s Exactly When You Should Aerate the Lawn

What are the telltale signs that your grass needs aerating, and when is the best time to do it? Here's what you need to know about this all-important lawn care task.

13 Beautiful Ways to Style a Backyard Pergola
Outdoor Living

13 Beautiful Ways to Style a Backyard Pergola

Take your backyard to new heights by exploring pergola ideas that will inspire, and perhaps even guide, your next outdoor project.

A Tennessee warbler perches on a feeder.
Wildlife

5 Weird Things From Your Kitchen You Can Feed to Backyard Birds

You may be surprised by some of the foods that your feathered friends will enjoy now and then.

A group of friends playing a Cornhole bean bag toss game in a backyard of a home.
Outdoor Living

10 Lawn Game Trends for Backyard Fun

Set your backyard up to be the happening spot for summer barbecues and pool parties this year with these popular lawn games.

Friends Celebrating 4th Of July Holiday With Backyard Party
Deals

The Best 4th of July Deals on Tools, Patio Furniture, Grills, and More

Celebrate America's birthday with these amazing savings!

Several wasps are flying around and crawling on a large wasp nest hanging on a home.
Garden Pests

10 Places to Check for Wasp Nests Right Now

Wasps can hide in unexpected places around your home. Learn where to check for nests and keep your outdoor spaces safe this summer.

A resilient home exterior with white siding and a metal roof and new windows.
Roofing

Making Your Home More Resilient Can Boost Your Peace of Mind (and Your Resale Value)

Resilient homes are more likely to withstand wind, water, and other climate-related damage. Many projects may also increase your home’s resale value, help you save money on utility bills, or make you eligible for certain tax breaks.

Young Australian native Laughing Kookaburra perched on a bird bath
Wildlife

Are You Putting Your Bird Bath in the Wrong Place?

Create a welcoming environment for your feathered friends by choosing the perfect spot for your backyard birdbath.

Materials used to vent a portable AC unit in a casement or crank window.
Building & Installing

This Cheap Hack Allowed Me to Vent a Portable AC Unit in a Crank Window 

For less than $20 I was able to make a water-resistant AC venting solution for my casement window.

A person holding a bunch of okra harvested from a home garden.
Gardening

How to Grow Okra in Your Home Garden

What plant can be both a vegetable and a decorative annual? Try okra for blond blooms and succulent succotashes.

Woman in blue dress sitting on steps of wooden tiny home of wheels while drinking coffee.
Architecture

Why You Should Consider an Alternative Home

Alternative homes offer a solution for those looking to cut living costs, bring simplicity to their life, and lower their carbon footprint.