If you want to treat backyard squirrels, keep it simple and balanced.

• Choose plain peanuts: Look for unsalted, unflavored, raw options labeled for wildlife.
• Offer in moderation: Use peanuts as a treat alongside other appropriate foods, not the only thing available.
• Use the right setup: A tray, platform, or squirrel feeder works well. Place it outdoors away from doors and garages.
• Keep things tidy: Pick up shells and leftovers to help reduce mess and unwanted visitors.
• Refresh often: Put out only what will be eaten in a day, then adjust as needed.
• Know your area: Check local guidelines about feeding wildlife, since rules can vary.

Portion size depends on how many visitors you have and how quickly they eat.

• Start small: Put out a small handful at one feeding spot and see how fast it goes.
• Aim for no leftovers: Offer only what’s likely to be eaten within a day to minimize waste.
• Adjust seasonally: Activity can change with weather and natural food availability; scale up or down as needed.
• Mix it up: Rotate peanuts with other appropriate wildlife foods so one item doesn’t dominate.
• Clean up: Remove uneaten pieces and shells regularly to keep the area tidy.
• Convenience tip: Choosing a bag size that matches your routine—and using Pickup or Delivery—can help you restock without overbuying.

Both can work—your choice depends on who you’re feeding and your setup.

• In-shell peanuts: Great enrichment for squirrels and larger birds. They take longer to eat, but shells create more cleanup. Best on platform feeders or ground trays.
• Shelled peanuts: Easier for small birds and quick snacking. They fit tube or platform feeders and create less shell mess, though they may disappear faster.
• Feeder fit: Mesh or cage-style feeders handle in-shell peanuts; standard seed tubes and trays suit shelled pieces.
• Balance and variety: Switching between the two can attract different visitors and help you manage mess and consumption.

Good storage can help maintain quality and reduce waste.

• Seal it up: Keep peanuts in their bag inside an airtight bin to limit air and moisture.
• Cool and dry: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Use what you open: Split large bags into smaller, sealed containers so you only expose what you need.
• Longer keeping: For extended storage, consider freezing portions in airtight bags; thaw only what you’ll use soon.
• First in, first out: Label containers with dates and use the oldest first.
• Quick check: Before refilling feeders, look for off smells or dampness and discard any questionable peanuts.

A few small adjustments can limit unwanted guests while still treating wildlife.

• Limit quantities: Put out modest amounts and refill as needed so there’s little left overnight.
• Smart placement: Keep feeding stations outdoors, away from doors, garages, and storage areas.
• Use the right gear: Platform trays with catch pans reduce spill; baffles on poles can deter climbing critters.
• Routine cleanup: Remove shells and uneaten pieces regularly to reduce attractants.
• Secure storage: Keep peanuts in sealed, rodent-resistant containers.
• Adjust timing: Daytime feeding and bringing in feeders at night can help reduce nocturnal visits.