Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 231)

Strong deadbolts can make a home feel secure, but they have a surprising vulnerability.

Sliders let in glorious light and create an open, airy feeling—and can be an invitation to intruders if not properly secured.

Installing a doorbell is a quick and easy way to keep your residence safe, protect your packages, and scare off unwanted intruders.

Ants like easy access to food, water, and cozy living conditions, just like you do. Here’s how to keep them from moving into your home.

Safes are designed to keep important belongings and documents secure. Find out which type of safe best suits your specific needs.

Thwart thieves with these easy, low-cost defensive measures to make sliding doors more secure.

Read the fine print on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that you’re covered for everything. If you're not careful, these 9 high-risk liabilities might not make the cut.

Don’t fault your mower, tractor, or other device for poor starting performance when a failing battery could be to blame. The best battery tester can clue you in and keep your vehicles in operation.

Finding maggots in or around your house can be shocking. Learn how to safely get rid of the larval pest, and how to prevent infestations in the future.

Try one of these humane approaches to keep animal pests from dining or digging in your garden.

Home security systems can be quirky and may not work as we expect them to—or not work at all. What happens when you forget your password? Can the system be hacked? Here's what you need to know.

If a swarm of these stinky pests has infiltrated your property, apply these techniques—for indoor and outdoor use—to send them packing.

Save yourself and your family from stings this season by crafting this homemade wasp trap from your kitchen recyclables.

Finding a spot for overnight guests can be easy—even for those who live in a small space. Today's guest beds are portable, compact, and often double as other types of furniture.

These ground covers serve practical purposes—including filling bare spots, warding off weeds, and preventing erosion—while boosting your home’s curb appeal.

Although there's no fountain of youth for fresh cut flowers, there are a few clever ways you can keep your bouquets blooming.

Is starting a garden on your to-do list this year? Here's what you need to know before lifting a shovel or planting a seed.

By growing a cut flower garden at home, you can avoid florist prices, enjoy unique heirloom flowers, and harvest the freshest blooms—all while adding color and beauty to your landscape.

You don’t have to use caustic commercial cleansers to get your splattered, stained oven clean again. The next time you tackle this tiresome task, try a gentler approach.

Learn something new in the New Year: Bob Vila explains how to craft practical, custom items with woodturning.