Parasites are taking the sting out of honey bees around Virginia, and that's bad news for apple growers.

Two tiny mites have caused the honey bee population in Virginia to plummet since the 1980's.

The mites suck the blood of the bees and shorten their life span.

Apple growers rely on bees to pollinate their fruit trees.

The Virginia State Beekeepers Association estimates honey bees' benefits to state agriculture at $74 million.

It is currently pushing for a state assistance program to preserve and protect domestic bees.