I use the pellets for litter and also for my stove. I have to cover area for them either. My dealer said it is okay to cover them with a tarp. what I did before placing them on the ground is get some pallets, or use boards that has 2 layers then stack them, put a tarp on them then weighed down or use rope. As long as the pellets are in the plastic bags they will be okay. I live on Vancouver Island, BC, so get the rain and wind too. You can get them by the ton, which I order 3 tons last summer,(specail price 185.00 a ton for 25 lb) I get mine in the 25 lb bags, which is easier for Jim and me to handle. Hope this helps you. Dooks to all Marie and her 6 kidlets [Posted in FML issue 2595]