Minecraft wiki entry for Honey_farming, associated text: Be careful about hazards in the vicinity, remembering that bees explore a wide range and fly over fences and walls. Lava, fire, uncovered campfires, and cactus can all act as "bug-zappers" and wipe out your colony. Bees can also wander through nether portals — you may want to keep a flower or two ready on the other side to help lure them back. Aside from making the area safe, you may want to breed up an extra hive/nest or two, collect them with Silk Touch, and stash them someplace safe in case of disaster.