Since 1977 varroatosis has spread over the whole Federal Republic of Germany. This mite infection of bees, which is very new in Europe, has already killed many swarms and could not be stopped by veterinary regulatory measures (notifiability, restricted movements, obligatory treatment). At present bee-keepers are trying to avoid losses by a number of biologic measures and medications. Such measures should be based on exact knowledge of the parasite and its behaviour in the bee population. The present knowledge of the parasite and of the methods of control is given.