Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

Woman walking on large wood deck in backyard surrounded by many plants.
Lawn & Garden

Plants That Repel Mosquitoes: 18 Picks for a Bug-Free Backyard

Don’t let biting bugs keep you from enjoying your outdoor spaces this year. Instead, scatter plants that keep mosquitoes in patio containers, garden beds, and anywhere else you congregate in fresh air.

Artistic rendering of a magnifying glass over the periodic symbol for radon, in the crevices of a home.
Interior

How to Test for Radon in Your Home

Your home's radon levels fluctuate day by day, which is why testing your home for the gas should not be a one-time occurrence. Learn how to keep radon on your radar long-term.

Milwaukee free tools at Ace Hardware June 2025
Reviews

Ace Hardware Is Giving Away Free Milwaukee Power Tools for Father’s Day

Grab a free tool or battery when you buy select Milwaukee power tools during Ace’s limited BOGO event. Here are the details.

how to keep ants out of hummingbird feeder
Lawn & Garden

6 Ways to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders

Have you finally attracted hummingbirds to your yard—along with an unwanted ant infestation? Here’s what to do.

Deals of the week June 2025
Reviews

Score Deep Discounts on Father’s Day Gifts With Our Favorite Deals This Week

Each week, we bring you the hottest deals in Bob Vila-favorite categories like power tools, hand tools, home essentials, and more.

A group of the Best Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Floors together on a wood floor before testing.
Reviews

The Best Robot Vacuums for Keeping Hardwood Floors Spotless, Tested

Keep hardwood floors effortlessly clean with the right robot vacuum.

Closeup of a mosquito biting a hand.
DIY

Mosquitoes Are Swarming Across America—And This Is the Most Infested City

The area earns the title for the fourth year in a row.

The Best Father's Day Gift Options
Reviews

The Best Gifts for the Dad Who Has Everything

Head right this way for unique and thoughtful Father’s Day gifts at every price point.

Seven of the best hose timers resting on wood floor
Reviews

Use This Simple Tool To Grow A Healthier Garden And Lower Your Water Bill

We tested several hose timers to bring you the best options for perfectly hydrated lawns and gardens.

A lawn mower with smoke billowing from it.
DIY

Why is My Lawn Mower Smoking? 

A lawn mower smoking is never a good sign. Whether the smoke is blue, white, or black, here's how to identity and address the issue yourself, or with the help of a professional.

Traeger Sale June 2025
Reviews

Hurry, Traeger Is Slashing Prices on Its Hottest Grills and Accessories for Father’s Day

June Buy One Get One Freebie Deals
Reviews

Score Free Tools and Accessories for Father’s Day

The Bob Vila team loves free tools and accessories. We're sharing our love of tools and deals with this list of freebie deals.

Bed and night table in bedroom that is all green.
Design

How to “Drench” a Room, One of the Hottest Design Trends This Summer

Experts say it's easy and highly versatile.

Woman taking care of plants and herbs in her garden.
Lawn & Garden

Ornamentals vs. Edibles—Why Not Both? How to Achieve Our Favorite Garden Design Trend in Your Yard

You no longer need to choose between ornamentals and edibles to have the best garden possible.

Squirrel in raised bed garden among pepper plants.
Lawn & Garden

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Garden Beds and Potted Plants

You don't have to lose your garden vegetables and flowers to troublesome squirrels—but you don't have to hurt the animals, either.

White house with a new gray roof being installed.
Exterior

3 Ways Your Roof Can Affect Your Energy Costs This Year

Things are looking up in the world of roofing.

Woman caulks edge of bathtub edged in painter's tape.
DIY

25 Home Maintenance Problems That Only Take a Minute to Fix

Your home will work better, look better—even smell better—when you address the little tasks and to-dos you've been meaning to deal with.

Trunks of many trees in an open field all painted white.
Lawn & Garden

Why Are Some Tree Trunks Painted White?

There's a good reason why you might spot whitewashed trees in your neighborhood.

The Best Floor Fans
Reviews

After Testing 13 Popular Floor Fans for 2 Months, We Found the 7 Best

Floor fans keep living spaces cool and comfortable while lowering energy bills during warm weather.

Mosquitoes hovering outdoors.
Lawn & Garden

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes and Keep Them From Coming Back

Getting rid of mosquitoes on your property can prevent disease. Learn DIY steps you can take to prevent and kill the insects.