Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 304)

10 Pests That Might Be Living in Your Garage
Pests

10 Pests That Might Be Living in Your Garage

Are there creepy-crawlies living in your garage’s dark corners? Here's how to identify the pests that are invading your space, and how to get rid of them.

repair of computer hard drives. on the table . concept of computer technology and repair
Skills & Techniques

How to Destroy a Hard Drive

Before recycling an old computer, make sure identity thieves can’t access your passwords, credit card numbers, and other private data.

Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' on the flower bed, sprinkler with red dyed mulch. Ornamental plants for landscaping.
Lawn & Garden

How Much Mulch Do I Need?

Figuring out how much mulch to buy, and how deep to lay it in your pots and beds, can be confusing. Here’s how to calculate how much you need to ensure good coverage and a healthy landscape.

how to get rid of earwigs
Pest Control

How to Get Rid of Earwigs

Are earwigs eating your veggies or devouring your flowers? Here are 7 proven, pesticide-free ways to eliminate these bugs.

How to Get Rid of Gophers - Backyard Rodents
Garden Pests

How to Get Rid of Gophers

Don’t let a gopher get the best of you or your backyard! Learn how to get rid of gophers and keep them away with several simple solutions.

How to Plunge a Toilet - Plunger
Toilets

How to Plunge a Toilet

Believe it or not—though it may seem like the most straightforward, uncomplicated of tasks—plunging a toilet requires proper technique. Here's what to do the next time you're dealing with a clog.

pigeon on chimney and in flight
Wildlife

Is There a Bird Trapped in Your Chimney? Here’s What to Do.

Follow these easy tips to help the wayward bird that's trapped in your chimney back into the wild.

fingerprint resistant stainless steel
Appliances

What’s the Deal with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel Appliances?

Fingerprints have always detracted from the sleek beauty of stainless steel. We take a look at whether fingerprint-resistant finishes are the answer.

DIY Cornhole
Easy DIY Projects

DIY Cornhole: How to Build Your Own Regulation Set

Looking for an outdoor game that's a real crowd-pleaser? Build a regulation set of cornhole boards, and let the backyard tournaments begin.

Laying Sod: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Lush Lawn 
Lawn Care

Laying Sod: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Lush Lawn 

Want a beautiful green lawn, but don't want to wait months for grass seed to grow? Sod may be your best option. Here's all you need to know about how to lay sod, and how to care for your plush new lawn.

8 Top Tips for Building a Fire Pit
Outdoor Living

Dos and Don’ts of Building a Fire Pit

Follow these best practices to enjoy the benefits and avoid the pitfalls of a backyard fire pit.

Cleaning up a blooded basement. Narrow depth of field.
Basements

Basement Waterproofing: Here’s How to Dry Out a Wet Basement—And How Much It Costs

Basement waterproofing can be a confusing and expensive process. Here's what you need to know about why water is leaking into your basement, and the best ways to fix the problem.

14 Sneaky Ways to Save Money on Your Water Bill
Energy & Power

14 Sneaky Ways to Save Money on Your Water Bill

Owning a home is expensive: There are property taxes and mortgages, tiny repairs and big maintenance projects, energy costs and water bills. After all's said and done, your house racks up a big bill each year. But when it comes to your water bill, there's quite a lot you can do to cut costs. Take a look at these surprisingly easy and surreptitiously sneaky ways that you can start saving water today—and take a load off your checkbook.

Ryobi Tire Inflator
Tools

I Tried a Cordless Tire Inflator―Did It Work?

The Ryobi tire inflator makes a pretty good case for itself, especially considering its budget-friendly price tag. But is it really that good? Find out in this hands-on review.

Franklin ProSensor
Tools

This Stud Finder Requires No Calibration―Is it Right For You?

Electronic stud finders help pinpoint the location of studs behind plaster and wallboard. See how a popular model―the Franklin ProSensor stud finder―fared in our hands-on testing.

Walabot Stud Finder How We Reviewed
Tools

I Tried The New Cutting-Edge Stud Finder―Did It Work?

Electronic stud finders have come a long way, and some allow the user to connect the device to a smartphone to detect wood, metal, and wiring behind drywall. See how one of the more popular smartphone wall scanners―the Walabot stud finder―fared in this hands-on testing.

9 Creative Ways to Heat Your Pool This Summer
Solar

9 Creative Ways to Heat Your Pool This Summer

With a little ingenuity, you can warm a cold swimming pool without having to spend thousands of dollars on an expensive pool heater.

african violet plant care 101 - how to grow african violet indoors
House Plants

African Violet Care: Meet the Low-Maintenance Houseplant That Blooms Year-Round

How can you get your African violet to bloom again? Follow these easy steps.

How To Remove Hot Glue
Skills & Techniques

How To: Remove Hot Glue

Don't fret when left with a mess after using a hot glue gun. A little patience and some common household items will help you tackle the job.

money tree plant care 101 - how to grow money tree indoors
House Plants

This Money Tree Care Routine is Ideal for Newbie Plant Parents

Prized for its lush beauty and the legend of bringing prosperity and good fortune, this braided tropical plant delivers luck by surviving with minimal care.