Solitary bees including mason bees and leafcutter bees provide critical pollination services and face habitat loss that can be addressed through garden modifications supporting nesting and foraging needs.
Solitary bee welfare raises the same scientific uncertainty as other invertebrates — whether they experience suffering in a morally significant way remains unresolved. However, the ecological case for supporting solitary bee populations is clear and immediately benefits many animals with undisputed welfare status. Birds, small mammals, and other insects that depend on pollinator-supported plant communities benefit directly from healthy solitary bee populations. The simple garden actions that support solitary bees — providing nesting habitat and diverse flowering plants — are low-cost, immediate, and provide measurable benefits to local ecosystems across multiple seasons.