Restarting from scratch, any suggestions for pest prevention

So About 2 years ago, I’d started a Beehive in my backyard but lost it to a combination of it being a fairly young hive, bad weather and small hive beetle infestation.

It was tragic but par for the course of being a new beekeeper. After recollecting my materials and replanning, I’m getting myself set to start this coming spring, but want some advice for preventative and proactive pest control.

I know the best pest control is a strong hive, but I want to give my bees the best chance possible.

I’ve heard everything from nematodes to chemicals to even salting the ground, but I don’t know what I should really try. What’s worked for you and what do you suggest for someone like me?