Chris
> Is that such a good idea? I had 2 swarms hive themselves in spare 
> equipment
> in my garden last year and I don't even keep bees in the village.

I put bait hives in the garden - saves me having to try to get swarms out of 
my neighbours walls/chimneys etc.

>(and had far more fun).

Careful!  This list is for Informed Discussion - not fun.

> Has anybody calculated how long in advance of swarming bees take an
> interest in a bait hive and add it to their list of possible new homes?

Woods, of Apidictor fame, reckoned 3 weeks 
(http://beedata.com/data2/listen/listenbees.htm)

Best wishes

Peter
52º11'40.05"N 1º40'25.04"W
(State - ready for bed) 

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