I was thinking anyone who'd ever read a history book or spent more than two minutes thinking about it.
Chemical "weapons" are used in non-military situations today. As you've already indicated, gas is used in some areas of the world to fumigate homes and other buildings, some farmers use gas to kill burrowing pests, and I'm sure there's plenty more examples. These people I think would soon see the use of these chemicals (amongst others) for defence or attack.
Fire could be used to good effect also. In the heat of summer when the countryside is dried out, setting the surrounding fields or forests alight could cause massive damage (again, depending on wind direciton, etc). Setting fire to fields could draw out a village's defenders - they're forced to attack in an effort to drive away the enemy and save their crops. Nasty tactic, but it's a dog eat dog world.
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