Most bee species are solitary, not colonial. Solitary bees face distinct welfare threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and parasitism. Simple habitat interventions support large populations.
Solitary bee welfare depends on access to nesting habitat and pesticide-free foraging resources. The loss of bare ground, hollow stems, and undisturbed areas in manicured landscapes has eliminated much traditional solitary bee habitat. Simple interventions including leaving bare ground patches, tolerating dead plant stems over winter, and reducing pesticide use have high impact for solitary bee populations.