Rehoming a Honey Bee Hive

Hey everyone,

To cut to the chase, I’ve read that after refining a honey bees hive, they should be locked in for 24-72 hours until they adjust/acclimate themselves so as not to attempt to return or get lost. But then I’ve seen other replies on social media pages saying this angers the bees and is unnecessary. Wanted to come here to get the scoop from the Permies.

As always, I appreciate any advice. I got the lucky chance to take a colony of honey bees (Italian) plus accessories for too good a deal for me to resist. It’s always been an aspiration of mine to keep bees so I decided to take the opportunity. I understand this comes with a lot of responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Coming here to get some insight from the community.

I’ve done my basic internet research, I’ve got a yard full of a clover trio and in the process of getting a more robust pollinator garden of native (North East US) plants.

Anywho, thanks in advance!

I was taught to plug the entrance up with grass clippings so they have to work a bit to get out. If they're not out in 3 days remove the plug for them. Seems to work.