All Things Fumigation
Welcome to All Things Fumigation, the podcast that helps you lower fumigation costs with a consultative approach. Each month, we provide expert insights on safety, innovation, and cost-effective strategies. A series that helps identify custom solutions that reduce expenses while ensuring compliance and protecting your products. Actionable advice that helps you optimize your fumigation processes and stay ahead of the curve!
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Fumigation Safety & Training
09/02/2025
Fumigation Safety & Training
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 fumigants, explaining why temperature and exposure duration are especially vital in achieving success against different insect life stages, particularly eggs. The episode also addresses the less-discussed but critical factor of insect population density. High infestation levels and delays in fumigating can undermine effectiveness, leading to increased survivors despite a high percentage of efficacy. John emphasizes the necessity of strong partnership and communication between fumigators and facility staff, as their collaboration is essential for optimizing environmental conditions and roles prior to treatment. Listeners are encouraged to plan proactively, communicate clearly, and foster site partnerships to drive continuous improvement. The key takeaway is that strategic preparation is fundamental to safer, more efficient, and more successful fumigation outcomes. Key Segments [01:50] Insect Battle Strategy [03:06] Fumigation Analysis: Temperature's Crucial Role [06:22] Deeper Analysis [10:02] Population Density [13:08] Fumigation Challenges and Solutions [15:55] Plan Ahead for Successful Fumigation 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: Resources Website: LinkedIn: Email: [email protected] YouTube:
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Foundational Fumigation
08/07/2025
Foundational 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 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: 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: Resources Website: LinkedIn: Email: YouTube:
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Introduction to The Fumigation Company
07/21/2025
Introduction to The Fumigation Company
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, from the outdated thinking that still lingers in parts of the fumigation industry to misunderstood labels, regulatory myths, and field missteps. Kalah, former leader of the Food Protection Alliance, steers the conversation with humor and insight, bringing clarity around pest fumigation versus fogging, EPA regulation, optimizing performance, and more. If you’re in grain, food safety, pest management, or just wondering how the “big hammer” of pest control really works, this episode kicks off the series with no-nonsense conversation, practical takeaways, and a fresh take on what good fumigation really looks like. Key Segments [02:50] John’s Journey in Fumigation [07:49] Who Needs Fumigation? [10:40] Fumigation Safety [12:07] Compliance, Labels, and the EPA [13:31] Industry Innovations [15:36] What Are Fumigants? [19:28] Low to No Residual Toxicity [21:37] The History of Fumigation Science [24:50] Why Fumigation Is Still Relevant [29:06] The “Science Cowboy” Philosophy
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