In the process of grain storage, the accurate detection of pest species and density is the necessary basis in integrated pest management program. However, the traditional detection methods have some disadvantages, such as heavy workload and lagging of detecting results, so it is necessary to find a new detection method. Research shows that, insect pheromone has many characteristics, such as security, green, trace and high efficiency, which can be used to detect and control pests. The structure identification, artificial synthesis and collecting methods of insect pheromone were outlined. The application of pheromone in monitoring trap detection and pheromone components analysis were mainly analyzed. Also, the problems occurred in using the aforementioned detection methods were discussed in order to provide certain references in the development of detection technique.