Abstract  The increasing application of solid phase microextraction (SPME) technology has improved the development of various fields. The advantages of this technology are that it facilitates on-site sampling and sample preparation, realizes high-throughput automatic operation, and can be combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for remote monitoring. Further improvements to the speed, efficiency and specificity of this technology are, however, still required. SPME has now been applied to plant and insect volatiles, insect sex pheromones and egg volatiles. Here, we summarize the methods, disadvantages and advantages of solid-phase microextraction, and the optimal extraction materials for different insect semio-chemicals. The purpose of this review is to provide a reference for the selection of optimal methods and materials, thereby increasing the speed and efficiency of sample preparation.