Do not paint your hives! And, plant thyme in front of entrances

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 "Paints are prone to being a food source for fungi, and in an effort to protect the paint (which is protecting the wood), virtually all modern latex paints are dosed with fungicide. Yes, fungicide! Fungicide-free paint does not exist because commercial paints cannot withstand fungi. 

In the case of bees, exposure to fungicides has been linked to dangerous effects on development, foraging and learned behavior, orientation, social interactions, reproduction, and memory retention. Studies suggest that honeybees that have been exposed to fungicides demonstrate compromised immune systems as well. "


also:

"By planting lavender and thyme in front of the entrances, the bees brush against them as they enter the unpainted hives, and unintentionally paint their hives with the herbs’ oils. Studies on the control of the Varroa mite, which is a threat to honeybee colonies, have shown that the oils of lavender and thyme lead to an increase in dead mites."

Link to article

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