Shook swarm onto clean foundation

Transfer bees from EFB-infected hives onto clean foundation and frames using the shook swarm method. Because Melissococcus plutonius does not form resistant spores like the AFB pathogen, removing old comb eliminates the primary bacterial reservoir and gives the colony a genuine fresh start.

Why It Works

EFB bacteria reside in the larval gut and contaminated brood comb. Shaking adult bees onto new foundation forces them to draw fresh, uncontaminated comb. The 24-48 hour brood break before the queen resumes laying also allows nurse bees to clear residual bacteria from their glands.

Tips

• Perform the shook swarm during warm weather with an active nectar flow so bees can draw comb quickly.
• Destroy all old combs by melting the wax; never reuse contaminated comb.
• Feed the colony sugar syrup immediately after transfer to support rapid comb building.
• Combine with requeening from hygienic stock for the best long-term results.
• Monitor the colony weekly for 4-6 weeks to confirm EFB has not returned.