Public interest in bees has focused heavily on honeybees, but 90% of bee species are solitary. Understanding and supporting solitary bees in urban environments provides vital welfare and ecological benefits.
Solitary bee welfare in urban environments is compromised by the reduction in diverse flowering plants, nesting habitat and the prevalence of pesticide-treated garden plants. Unlike honeybees which can average across a large foraging area, solitary bees have smaller ranges and are more vulnerable to local habitat quality. Nesting failure due to unsuitable nest tube dimensions or parasitism causes direct welfare harm to egg-laying females and their developing offspring. The widespread sale of pesticide-treated ornamental plants to gardeners who intend to help bees creates a hidden welfare threat. Inadequately designed bee hotels create health problems including mite infestation that harm the very species they aim to help.