Solitary bees including mason bees, leafcutter bees, and mining bees are among the most important pollinators, but face habitat loss and nest site shortage in manicured gardens and intensive agriculture.
Solitary bee welfare is primarily a population-level concern given the uncertain individual sentience status of insects. However, each individual bee represents a welfare unit deserving consideration proportional to its likely sentience. Solitary bees face habitat loss from loss of nesting sites and foraging habitat. Mining bees require bare warm soil that is eliminated by lawn coverage and tarmac. Mason and leafcutter bees need cavities of appropriate diameter that bee hotels provide. However, poorly maintained bee hotels harbor parasites and pathogens that can harm bee populations. Garden tidiness including the removal of dead stems and herbaceous plant debris eliminates natural nesting cavities. Pesticide exposure from garden and agricultural chemicals impairs navigation and immune function. Wildflower patches with diverse native species provide the nutritional resources solitary bees require.