Nikki, locating a hive in full sun isn't normally harmful to a colony of bees.  And, it is a benefit in the winter. In central Oregon it is recommended that you locate your hives in as much sun as you can in the winter to take advantage of the heat provided. I don't worry too much about an hour or two of shade, but more sun is better in the in the winter.  Most people don't want to have to move their hive to a different place twice a year, another reason to locate them in the sun all the time.  You could put a piece of plywood bigger than the top of the hive on top, that would provide some shade. but, again, full sun is not normally harmful.

That is sad, Niki.

To help those of us with a lot to learn can you say, they didn't swarm off and leave half the colony

. . . they all left?

Were they crowded? Pest infested?

Had you recently used a harsh mite treatment?

Can some mentor say, from how far off does a bait trap work?  Seems you'd need to know where they absconded to and put the box quite near them.

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My bees have absconded!  Anyone have experience with bait hives?