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Honest reviews of the stuff I actually bought for my house.

I've lived my whole life in a big city. Now I'm in the suburbs and I need to learn how to fix my house. So I've watched YouTube videos and bought stuff on Amazon and Home Depot, plus other big box stores nearby. I'm a software developer, so I like to do my research. Here are all the things I purchased — and the research behind them.

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Pool4.5Avg buyer reviews

Sepetrel 15 Foot Telescoping Pool Pole

"Cheap, light, and the lock actually holds — proven aluminum beats trendy carbon here."

Lock stays tight at full extensionLightweight aluminumAluminum will wear out eventuallyNo-frills build

$39.99Read review →

Lawn & Garden4.6Avg buyer reviews

Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Trigger Spray (24 oz)

"After a month of use, this is the tick solution I'll stick with — permethrin bonds to fabric and keeps working wash after wash."

42,000+ reviews can't be wrongBonds to fabric for 6 weeks or 6 washesCan't spray directly on skin (gear and clothes only)Need to plan ahead — requires dry time before wearing

$19.60Read review →

Lawn & Garden4.6Avg buyer reviews

Growneer Landscape Staples 100 Pack (6 inch, 11 Gauge)

"At $17 for 100 six-inch galvanized staples with 10,000+ reviews, this is the best value out there — thick enough to hold, long enough to stay put."

100 staples at 6 inches for $17 is the sweet spot11-gauge steel won't bend on rocky soilHeavy gauge takes some effort to push in by hand100-pack is a lot for tiny projects — but you'll use them

$17.09Read review →

Lawn & Garden4.3Avg buyer reviews

Natria Neem Oil Spray (24 oz)

"Neem oil is the gold standard for powdery mildew, and Natria delivers at a great price. A month in and zero recurrence."

36,000 reviews with 4.3 stars is hard to argue withOnly $10.49 for 24 ozNeem oil has a distinct earthy smellNeeds to be wiped and reapplied for heavy infections

$10.49Read review →

Pest Control4.4Avg buyer reviews

Chapin 20004 Pressured Sprayer (1 Gallon)

"Simple, reliable, and $15. Pump it up and it sprays a fine mist for at least a third of the tank. 79,000 reviews don't lie."

Only $15.49Simple pump mechanism — works like a bicycle pumpCheap plastic — don't expect it to last foreverNot for heavy commercial use

$15.49Read review →

Pest Control4.4Avg buyer reviews

Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder Duster (1 lb)

"Works incredibly well as an ant barrier — I put a line in front of the door and no more ants came through. Only catch? It's the same DE I already have 40 pounds of in the garage for my pool filter."

Creates an instant physical barrier ants can't crossSafe for indoor use around kids and petsSame as pool filter DE — if you have a pool you already own thisMessy if you spill it

$9.99Read review →

Kids4.3Avg buyer reviews

EXPERLAM Stuffed Animal Storage Zoo, X-Large

"At 65 inches tall with solid pine construction and 50-100 stuffed animal capacity, this was the biggest zoo I could find — and the only one that actually solved the problem."

64.96 inches tall — holds 50-100 stuffed animalsSolid pine wood, not MDF or particle boardAssembly instructions are cheaply photocopied and hard to readUnfinished wood — you may want to seal or paint

$89.99Read review →

Pest Control4.5Avg buyer reviews

Talak Indoor/Outdoor Insect Control (32 oz)

"Creates a deadly perimeter around the house that stops ants before they even reach the door. Six hours of spraying and I found dead insects everywhere."

Creates a 3-foot chemical barrierBuilt-in measuring cup for easy mixing$27.99 is the priciest of the three ant-control methodsRequires a sprayer (see my Chapin review)

$27.99Read review →