I had to merge hives last year due to poor population and a queen that lost her game. I got a nuc about 45 min from me and transfered the frames almost as soon as I got home, no prob. I feel, why agitate them twice? They are agitated from the ride then they calm down and you get them going again the next day. I smoked them and put them frames in dumped what was left in the nuc on top and left the nuc box next to the hive for straglers to find their new home. It worked well for me. And I typically wear no protective gear, shorts, T-shirt and sneakers. I have started wearing a veil, I have long hair and a beard which they get tangled in.