I use a large black plastic sheet under my hives. I get it at the co-op for very little it is 8 mil thick and black I cut 20 foot long and 10 wide solid sheet. set the hives on top of it I like space so I put about 5-6 hives on one then move a few 20 - 30 feet for the next pod.
it works for the beetle ants hate it (a few will brave it but not for long) small animals (mice) hate it and grass never needs trimming.
it works for me. here in Tn.
wish everyone the best
arnold jones