Swarm Trap Placement

[chux]

I have access to an old barn where two colonies are in residence. I may decide to cut one out next season, but have decided to attempt to catch swarms this season. The colonies are on opposite outside walls of the structure. The hives are built in the floor space between loft and ceiling of first floor. About 10 feet off of the ground. I can see a "track" of debri in the ceiling, which indicates that the hive goes about 10 feet into the building from the outside entrance. Both colonies seem to be healthy and large. The building is surrounded by thick trees.

Here are my questions: 1) How close should I put swarm traps to the parent colony? 2) How many traps should I set out? 3) What size traps should I build? This is my first year with bees, but I have seen a couple of primary swarms that I believe were too big for a standard NUC box trap. Should I put out one or two Nucs, and one larger box? Any pointers are appreciated.
 

[iddee]

1... 50 ft. to 300 ft.

2... All you have.

3... A 10 frame deep or a bit larger is said to be the best size.

10 to 15 ft. high is said to work best, although they will use any height.

[bailey]

That will get ya the primaries with no problem.
I do things a bit different but a mix would be good.
   
Try sprinkling a few nucs in among your trap sites.
Some smaller swarms with great queens find them attractive
As well.  That way you get them all,
Big primaries and smaller virgin swarms etc. 
And they draw comb very well.

Bailey