We are new to beekeeping this year, and concerned about the prevalence of mites in typical hives. Definitely, we don't want them in ours. Also very interested in doing things naturally, I was wondering if there weren't companion plants that might be planted right next to a hive that would benefit the bees living there? I don't know if there are plants that repel bees, and I certainly wouldn't want any like that, but things like Artemisia (wormwood), Lavender, and Thyme are companions I already have plans to plant nearby. Rue seems good too, for general bug repellence. Does anyone know if any of these plants, or others, would be specifically helpful planted next to a hive?
Thanks for any help!