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Foundational Fumigation

All Things Fumigation

Release Date: 08/07/2025

Intro to Ethyl Formate: The New Kid in the Toolbox Part 2 show art Intro to Ethyl Formate: The New Kid in the Toolbox Part 2

All Things Fumigation

Episode 6 of All Things Fumigation brings together host John B. Mueller and guest Kade McConville, executive director of the Intreso Group, for a more in depth look into eFUME®, the latest ethyl formate-based fumigant. Kade McConville recounts the seven-year journey through US registration for eFUME®, emphasizing the investment of time and resources required for modern regulatory approval.  The conversation highlights ethyl formate’s favorable safety profile, including its GRAS status and lack of concerning residues, and details the specialized application equipment designed to handle...

info_outline Intro to Ethyl Formate: The New Kid in the Toolbox show art Intro to Ethyl Formate: The New Kid in the Toolbox

All Things Fumigation

Benefits, Challenges, and the Path Forward Episode 5 of ATF introduces listeners to ethyl formate, branded as Efume, the first new postharvest fumigant in the United States in nearly seven decades. John B. Mueller lays the groundwork by explaining ethyl formate’s origins, its chemical properties, and its approval process, emphasizing its unique status compared to conventional fumigants.  Spencer Walsh, an expert in postharvest fumigation, provides historical context and discusses how ethyl formate stands out for its incredible efficacy against mites and other surface pests, especially...

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All Things Fumigation

This episode of All Things Fumigation focuses on the preparation phase of the fumigation process, building upon previous discussions about overall planning. John B. Mueller draws inspiration from Michael Jordan’s perspective on success coming from preparation, tying this mindset to the world of fumigation. John walks listeners through the transition from macro-level planning to the granular details of preparation, emphasizing that these practices are not just good management but legal requirements governed by the pesticide label and state law. A central focus is the Fumigation Management...

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All Things Fumigation

Episode 3 of All Things Fumigation, hosted by John B. Mueller, centers on the principle that victory in pest control is determined before the actual fumigation process begins. Drawing inspiration from Sun Tzu’s "Art of War," John underscores the importance of thorough planning and preparation in outsmarting pests. He details the key steps in fumigation planning, with a major focus on understanding environmental conditions such as facility and commodity temperatures, which directly affect fumigant concentration and exposure time. John highlights the difference in efficacy between various...

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All Things Fumigation

Fumigation Market, an objective market overview The second episode of "All Things Fumigation" dives deep into the world of post-harvest fumigation, led by host John B. Mueller and moderator Kalah Schmitz. They begin by mapping out the major segments of the fumigation industry, such as structural, soil, post-harvest, and the emerging antimicrobial market. With a focus on post-harvest, John explains the types of commodities involved, from bulk grains like wheat and rice to specialty crops like tree nuts and spices.  The conversation also distinguishes the event-driven, industrial nature of...

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All Things Fumigation

The Truth About Fumigation In this pilot episode of All Things Fumigation, host John B. Mueller teams up with longtime industry ally and guest moderator Kalah Schmitz. Together, they lay the groundwork for bold, real-talk about fumigation in today’s high-stakes structural and commodity fumigation landscape. With a combined six decades of field and leadership experience, John and Kalah break down what fumigation is, what it isn’t, and what led John to launch The Fumigation Company. They swap stories from the field about the myths and mechanics of this commonly misunderstood practice,...

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Fumigation Market, an objective market overview

The second episode of "All Things Fumigation" dives deep into the world of post-harvest fumigation, led by host John B. Mueller and moderator Kalah Schmitz. They begin by mapping out the major segments of the fumigation industry, such as structural, soil, post-harvest, and the emerging antimicrobial market. With a focus on post-harvest, John explains the types of commodities involved, from bulk grains like wheat and rice to specialty crops like tree nuts and spices. 

The conversation also distinguishes the event-driven, industrial nature of fumigation from standard commercial services, highlighting the extensive planning, seasonal aspects, and operational challenges these projects require. Emphasis is placed on the crucial role fumigation plays in the Integrated Pest Management toolbox, especially where traditional methods fall short due to accessibility issues or regulatory requirements. John and Kalah address common misconceptions, such as the expectation of 100% efficacy, and stress the importance of science-based approaches and proper gas monitoring. This episode provides not only a comprehensive overview of the fumigation landscape but also insights into realistic industry expectations and the evolving nature of pest management in food safety and commodity protection.

Key Segments

  • [02:06] The Different Fumigation Markets
  • [05:14] What Are Commodities
  • [07:20]  Commercial Services of Post-Harvest
  • [08:57]  The Different Sectors of Post-Harvest Fumigation
  • [12:59] Post-Harvest Fumigation Challenges
  • [16:27] Follow and Subscribe!

Show Notes

Host Bio: John B. Mueller has spent 40 years in the commodities fumigation trenches. He’s the founder of The Fumigation Company and host of All Things Fumigation, where he shares straight-talk strategies and science-backed tools to improve safety, compliance, and performance across the post-harvest and structural fumigation world.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mueller-90499020/


Guest Moderator Bio: Kalah Schmitz brings two decades of boots-on-the-ground experience in fumigation and food safety. Former leader of the Food Protection Alliance, she returns as guest moderator of All Things Fumigation, offering sharp insights and a family legacy rooted in the pest control trade.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalahschmitz/

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