LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Winter blew into the state with its typical chilly introduction, leaving many electric utility customers challenged with both staying warm and managing the costs that go with it.

Entergy wants to remind customers they have the power to save money and stay comfortable by following a few simple steps to help keep winter’s cold outside where it belongs while also helping keep energy costs more manageable.

“Heating a home can account for as much as half of the monthly energy bill,” said Oscar Washington, customer service manager for Entergy Arkansas, Inc. “Cold air can be an expensive, unwanted visitor, finding its way through many openings that often go unnoticed, such as wall seams, attic doors, and electrical outlets. Small spaces can add up to big energy losses.” 

Although there are lots of things homeowners can do to protect themselves against cold weather, here are the top five energy savers:

A public service announcement from the Fire and Emergency Services Department of the City of Pine Bluff:

Cooking fires continue to be the most common type of fires experienced by U.S. households. This is even more apparent during the holidays. There is an increased incidence of cooking fires on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day.

Spiders are associated with Halloween, but the arachnids will most likely be seen throughout the winter in homes due to the warm summer we experienced. Often popping up after people bring holiday decorations or winter clothing out of storage, Terminix, the nation’s largest pest control company, has a few tips for prevention and protection to limit number of infestations and incidents of bites.

Why do spiders invade homes?

Like most pests, spiders are opportunistic and invade homes out of convenience. Human structures often provide a sheltered environment and can provide easy access to other insects. 

How do spiders get into homes?

Spiders can slip through very small exterior openings.