Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 98)

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
Reviews

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
Reviews

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.
Lawn & Garden

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.

Nine bottles and one bar of the best dish soap on a wood table
DIY

The Best Dish Soaps for Squeaky-Clean Dishes, Tested

These dishwashing liquids are designed to cut through grime to save you time, water, and elbow grease.

Sustainable hardscaping in a residential outdoor space with a retaining wall, stairs, and a permeable stone pathway.
Lawn & Garden

Strategic Hardscaping Can Make Your Outdoor Space More Sustainable—Here’s How

Certain types of hardscaping, which provide durability and architectural definition to a yard, can also be good for the environment.

japanese garden with moss lawn and large rocks surrounding a small stream with bonsai trees near rocks
Lawn & Garden

How to Grow a Moss Lawn—and Why You Should

Moss lawns are low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional turf. Are they right for your property?

Finch on a white window sill looking toward house.
Lawn & Garden

What to Do If a Bird Flies Into Your House

Feathered friends make for great window watching, but when they come too close, things can get chaotic. If a bird swoops in through an open window and gets stuck in your home, try this trick to shoo it back outdoors using a common household item.

A close up of a roofer repairing a roof.
Real Estate

The Secret to Getting Your Homeowners Insurance to Pay for a Roof Replacement

Roof replacement can easily cost thousands of dollars. But there's one crucial step that's key to increasing the odds that insurance will cover such a massive expense—as long as you do it right.

Chrome shower curtain rod holding up curtain in white bathroom
Reviews

The Best Shower Curtain Rods to Complement Your Decor, Tested

Often an afterthought, the shower curtain rod plays a key role in bathroom design, so choose wisely.

Colorful dishes in the top rack of a dishwasher are wet.
Interior

6 Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Drying

If you always find yourself wiping water off your just-washed dishes, try these tips for troubleshooting a dishwasher that doesn’t dry.

A dad squats next to his toddler daughter and helps her rake leaves into a pile while doing household chores outdoors together on a cool Autumn day.
Lawn & Garden

17 Types of Rakes Every Homeowner Should Know

Soil rakes, garden rakes, bow rakes: Why are there so many types of rakes at the home center, and which do you actually need to clean up your yard?

Installing Pocket Doors - Sliding Doors for Separating Small Spaces
Interior

Installing a Pocket Door

Homeowners who want to maximize space while having the convenience of a flexible layout should consider the pocket door. If you're thinking about installing one, first read our handy planning guide to see whether this retractable door system is right for you.

A woman sits under an AC mounted on a white brick wall.
Cooling

Does Your AC Smell Like Gas? Here’s How to Troubleshoot the Issue Safely

When your AC smells like gas, it may be due to an actual gas leak. Know the signs to keep your home and family safe.

A person wearing rain boots pressure washing a concrete driveway.
Exterior

How to Clean Concrete Floors and Driveways

Cleaning concrete surfaces starts with a mild detergent, then you can up the ante as needed.

A built-in grill outside next to some plant pots
Reviews

The Best Built-In Grills for Backyard Barbecuing

No self-respecting outdoor kitchen is complete without one of these cooking appliances.

A Long-tailed Tit is standing on a branch of blackberries.
Lawn & Garden

12 Ways to Keep Birds from Eating Your Garden Berries

Perplexed by what to do about birds pilfering your berry patch? Try some of these humane and harmless ways to protect your homegrown berries from the birds.

Circular transom window above the doorway surrounded by brick.
Exterior

Everything You Need to Know About Transom Windows

Light lovers rejoice! These ages-old above-the-door architectural elements are back in a big way.

Materials needed for making a DIY stainless steel cleaner.
DIY

Make Your Appliances Sparkle With This DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner Recipe

Clean and restore stainless steel surfaces around the house with this safe, simple, economical formula.

Materials needed to make three different kinds of ant traps, including borax, shortening, and wax paper.
DIY

How to Make a Homemade Ant Trap: 3 Methods That Really Work

Looking for a natural ant killer that's safe to use in your living space? These home remedies for ants are easy to make using ingredients from your pantry and workshop.