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...
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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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Mastering Fumigation Preparation
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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Fumigation Safety & Training
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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Foundational Fumigation
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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Introduction to The Fumigation Company
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,...
info_outlineThis 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 Plan. John breaks down the eight EPA-mandated components, underscoring aspects such as site inspection for suitability, historical documentation, communication with relevant personnel, exterior monitoring, emergency notification procedures, placard placement, and ensuring appropriate safety equipment and manpower. He shares practical insights and stories from the field that illustrate how these steps actively prevent hazards and promote safer outcomes.
John also explores the importance of defining team roles, effective communication, and on-site training. He highlights strategies like advance safety briefings, pre-job site visits, involving maintenance staff, and including local emergency responders in the notification process. Mental visualization is encouraged as a powerful tool for anticipating and navigating complex jobs. The episode concludes with a call for thoroughness, collaboration, and commitment to safety, positioning preparation as the cornerstone of successful fumigation operations. Key takeaways include the necessity for detailed compliance, partnership with site staff, robust safety practices, and fostering a culture of continual improvement for every fumigation event.
Key Segments
- 00:02:20 - Common Fumigation Process Overview
- 00:04:25 - Fumigation Management Plan (FMP) Introduction
- 00:05:50 - FMP Evolution
- 00:06:14 - EPA's 8 FMP Requirements Introduction
- 00:09:16 - EPA Requirement #1: Site Suitability Inspection
- 00:10:15 - EPA Requirement #2: Historical Records & Structural Changes
- 00:10:57 - EPA Requirement #3: Documentation & Safety Procedures Review
- 00:13:52 - EPA Requirement #4: Safety Procedures for Workers
- 00:16:37 - EPA Requirement #5: Exterior Monitoring Plan
- 00:18:15 - EPA Requirement #6: Emergency Notification Procedures
- 00:18:56 - EPA Requirement #7: Warning Placards Placement
- 00:21:43 - EPA Requirement #8: Safety Equipment & Personnel
- 00:23:18 - Team Management & Roles
- 00:24:20 - Site Visit Considerations
- 00:26:57 - Construction & Hazard Coordination
- 00:30:11 - Timeline Management
- 00:35:09 - Emergency Responder Notification & Hospital Emergency Room Preparation
- 00:36:44 - Mental Preparation & Visualization