Lost a swarm

[Rooster007]

Hi All,
Looking for advice really to see what I could of done differently.

I had a swarm today from one of my hive and it settled quite close to the hive approx 30ft away on a bush at head height.
I was out when it happened but saw the cluster when I got home, so got suited up and shook them into a nice big box, turned it upside down and put it on top of a cover and propped up one side so they could come and go.
I thought I'd got them settled to put into a nuc tonight and they seemed OK for about 5 hours.
Then then decided to relocate and they were off.
I tracked them as much as I could through the village but they went off over some houses I couldn't follow and towards woodland so swarm lost.

I know I should of spotted the QC's on inspections 8 days ago but I guess I missed them and knew it was a strong colony so just added an extra super as they were filling the first very quickly.

The box was in full sun close to the bush so should I have moved it?
Would they have not liked the box because of the heat?

Kicking myself for not spotting the QC's and managing this better and feel guilty for letting the swarm loose on the village.

 

[enrico]

It is always going to be hit or miss if they abscond. Once in a hive you can put a QE over the floor to stop the queen leaving. If you have an old super frame or a bit if wild comb you can try putting that in a box in the hope they will stay. The trouble is that if they have already found a better home than you are offering then ........
E

 

[bingevader]

I wouldn't beat yourself up too much about it, especially at the moment.
I find that, even better than a box, is a previously used nuc with a couple of old frames.

 

[pargyle]

I wouldn't fret about what you did .. any beekeeper of more than a few years who says he's never lost a swarm is either lyinng or has never kept bees ! Sometimes they just go ... move on. There will be swarms coming your way from someone else shortly.

 

[beeno]

I wouldn't beat yourself up too much about it, especially at the moment.
I find that, even better than a box, is a previously used nuc with a couple of old frames.

When the queen is in then put the QX on and keep it on for three days, as she will need to mate if a virgin.

 

[Rooster007]

There will be swarms coming your way from someone else shortly.

I think you are right here and I spoke to another beek just after I'd boxed the swarm and they had already been contacted by 8 people the day before about swarms so a lost around I guess.