Several have now commented on swarm lures and their relative
effectiveness (or lack thereof).
 
>>[Has] Anyone had any experience with the various swarm lures?
 
   Some of us have had extensive experience and find they work very well if
used properly.
 
   Those interested should first read the following article:
 
Schmidt, J.O., S.C. Thoenes, & R. Hurley.  1989.  Swarm traps.  AMERICAN
BEE JOURNAL.  129:468-471 (July).
 
>We had a visit once by a beekeeper from Zimbabwe.  They use bait hives to
>collect swarms.  Apparently you can see them all over the place when
>swarming season is in full swing.  They generally put the hives up high and
>"bait" them with propolis.
 
   Propolis works to some degree and can increase the effectiveness of
swarm hives fitted with chemical lures.  Some people use bits of old dark
comb; others mix propolis in alcohol (dissolves well) and spray the inside
of the hives.
 
   And, yes, crushed lemon balm, lemon grass, and lemon eucalyptus can work
--- as pointed out a couple of thousand years ago by Collumela.  Much of
that information is summarized in the following article:
 
Wenner, A.M.  1992.  Swarm movement: A mystery explained.  AMERICAN BEE
JOURNAL.  132:27-31.  (January)    [No, I don't have any more reprints.]
 
   Of course, natural cavities that have been occupied by bee colonies in
the past will more likely pick up swarms than an artificial swarm hive with
a lure.  On the other hand, properly manufactured lures really do help with
occupation of swarm hives.   For that one might also read the following
abstract (with figure):
 
Wenner, A.M. & J. O. Schmidt.  1995.  Effectiveness of small swarm hives.
AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL.  135:832.  (December)
 
                                                        Adrian
 
Adrian M. Wenner                         (805) 893-2838 (UCSB office)
Ecol., Evol., & Marine Biology           (805) 893-8062  (UCSB FAX)
Univ. of Calif., Santa Barbara           (805) 963-8508 (home office & FAX)
Santa Barbara, CA  93106
 
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