All Things Fumigation

Gas Monitoring

In episode 9 of All Things Fumigation, John focuses on the essential practice of fumigant gas monitoring and illustrates its importance with relatable analogies, such as never driving a car without a gas gauge. The episode addresses frequent excuses and faulty practices in monitoring, including reliance on infrequent manual readings and outdated equipment. John explains the science behind fumigant efficacy, emphasizing how maintaining correct concentration over time is crucial for targeting all pest life stages, especially resistant eggs. The discussion highlights the escalating costs of fumigant chemicals and the substantial losses that can result from poor monitoring, making a strong case for investing in modern, accurate, and connected devices. Technological options are reviewed, comparing the reliability of older and newer monitoring systems, and best practices for setup and calibration are covered. The episode also explores how defensible data supports partnerships, prevents costly disputes, and strengthens industry reputation. Key takeaways include the necessity of routine, accurate monitoring, understanding the technology in use, preparing for equipment failure, and recognizing that defensible data not only improves outcomes but also drives profitability and trust with clients.

Fumigant Application

Release the Hounds: Nuances of Safe and Effective Gas Application in Fumigation In Episode 8, John B. Mueller brings listeners deep into the crucial gas application phase of post-harvest fumigation. He opens by reinforcing safety, regulatory compliance, and the legal responsibilities of licensed fumigators, before responding to a listener's question about sealing hard-to-access leak points. Through real-world insights, he stresses that advanced planning, strategic partnerships, and situational analysis are key to overcoming such challenges. The episode moves on to compare legacy, tactical fumigant labels with modern, prescriptive ones, illustrating how scientific advances drive more precise, pest-targeted dosing strategies. John B. Mueller explains concentration-time (Ct) concepts, half-life calculations, and the impact of structure type, temperature, pest biology, and environmental factors like wind and temperature disparity. He provides practical advice for applying fumigants in different facility types, such as vertical storages, warehouses, and food processing plants, emphasizing the importance of accurate dosing, monitoring, and pressure management to avoid gas loss and ensure efficacy. Throughout, John B. Mueller advocates for deliberate, safety-first operations and closes with reminders to contribute feedback and continue professional learning. Key takeaways include the vital role of preparation, adapting application strategies to both science and site-specific variables, and always prioritizing team and facility safety during fumigation. Key Segments * [00:00:00] Fumigation Focus & Safety Insights * [00:07:25] Fumigation Gas Application Insights * [00:09:55] Fumigation Dosage and Monitoring Insight * [00:12:02] "Modern Labels and Prescriptive Practices" * [00:17:27] Improving Metalphosphide Label Accuracy * [00:20:00] Fumigation Process and Half-Life Insights * [00:24:50] Phosphine Fumigation Strategy Insights * [00:27:57] Fumigation Strategy and Monitoring Tools * [00:30:54] Post-Harvest Fumigation Overview * [00:34:53] "Fumigation Strategy and Challenges" * [00:38:37] "Wind Impact on Fumigation" * [00:42:47] Temperature Disparities in Processing * [00:43:50] "Optimal Fumigation Timing Insights" * [00:46:56] Gas Management in Fumigation Applications * [00:50:33] Fumigation Safety and Science Tips 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mueller-90499020/] Resources * Website: thefumeco.com [http://thefumeco.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fumigation-company/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fumigation-company/] * Email: John.Mueller@TheFumeCo.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsFumigation [https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsFumigation]

Fumigation Setup

Sealing Strategies for Safer and More Effective Fumigation Applications Episode seven of All Things Fumigation, led by John B. Mueller, explores the vital role of sealing and containment in the fumigation process, drawing clever parallels to the workings of a hot air balloon. John B. Mueller discusses the significant effort—up to 80 percent of a successful fumigation—that goes into proper setup, stressing that containment is crucial for both performance and safety. He shares insights on collaborating with facility personnel, including maintenance, security, and site leadership, underlining the need for clear roles, responsibilities, and thorough review of Fumigation Management Plans. The episode addresses practical strategies for sealing under adverse conditions, such as wet surfaces and wind, and highlights the importance of daily seal checks during both long and short fumigations. John B. Mueller also unveils expert tips for preventing issues that lead to recalls or insurance claims, such as the thorough removal of internal seals. The episode concludes by emphasizing continuous improvement, the integration of staff development into the sealing process, and the use of real data to refine future fumigations. Key takeaways include the necessity for robust preparation, teamwork, documentation, and ongoing training to ensure safe, compliant, and effective fumigations. Key Segments * 00:00 Sealing Strategies for Safer and More Effective Fumigation Applications * 04:53 Fumigation Basics and Preparation * 08:36 Fumigation Responsibilities and Partnerships * 15:23 Sealing Tips for Effective Fumigation * 22:26 Fumigation Dynamics in Structures * 25:15 Continuous Monitoring for Fumigation Efficiency * 27:59 Challenges in Bin Sealing * 33:12 Clear Communication During 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mueller-90499020/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mueller-90499020/] Resources * Website: thefumeco.com [http://thefumeco.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fumigation-company/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fumigation-company/] * Email: John.Mueller@TheFumeCo.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsFumigation [https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsFumigation]

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

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 its flammability and pressure hazards. Regulatory differences across countries are addressed, as well as the process of expanding the US label for broader commodity use, including treatments for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). The episode also explores how eFUME®'s costs align with existing fumigants when considering dosage rates and operational efficiencies, such as faster treatment times. The potential for eFUME® as an organic solution is discussed, with ongoing efforts to source ethyl formate naturally for future certification. Key takeaways include the importance of industry support for successful adoption, the need for collaborative feedback, and the exciting role ethyl formate could play in sustainable and organic pest control practices. Key Segments * [00:00:00] Part 2: Intro to Ethyl Formate: The New Kid in the Toolbox * [00:05:50] Seven-Year Registration Journey of eFUME® * [00:08:35] eFUME®: Product Hazards Explained * [00:13:07] US Key Commodities Focus * [00:23:35] Ethyl Formate Supply Challenges * [00:26:47] Promoting New Fumigant Globally * [00:28:44] Access to a new Substance 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mueller-90499020/] Resources * Website: thefumeco.com [http://thefumeco.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fumigation-company/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fumigation-company/] * Email: John.Mueller@TheFumeCo.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsFumigation [https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsFumigation]

Intro to Ethyl Formate: The New Kid in the Toolbox

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 in fresh fruit. The chemistry behind ethyl formate and its hydrolysis in moisture-rich commodities enables low residue concerns, leading to an EPA exemption from food tolerances—a key win for global trade and consumer safety. The conversation also touches on the operational advantages ethyl formate offers, such as portable application and alignment with regulatory demands for minimal residues. Both speakers caution that, despite its regulatory and consumer-friendly attributes, ethyl formate must be handled with strict safety procedures due to its flammable nature and potential risks. The episode concludes with a reminder to fumigators about the critical importance of monitoring concentrations and respecting all safety protocols as ethyl formate enters wider use in the industry. Key Segments * [00:00:00] Welcome to All Things Fumigation * [00:05:16] Ethyl Formate: Revived Fumigant * [00:09:03] Boiling Points of Fumigants * [00:13:55] Ethyl Formate Fumigant Safety * [00:16:12] Interview: Spencer Waslse, PHD * [00:19:38] Pest Control in California Agriculture * [00:23:35] Fresh Fruit Fumigation Innovation * [00:26:33] Respiratory Penetration of Ethyl Formate * [00:30:31] Warm Fumigation for Fresh Fruit * [00:31:56] Efficient Pest Control for Mites * [00:34:57] Ethyl Formate Fumigation Challenges * [00:40:18] Monitoring Ethyl Formate Fumigation * [00:43:18] Feedback & Fumigation Guidelines