Genetic pest management (GPM) is one of the most efficient methods to control or eradicate insect pests and has been carried out worldwide with notable successes. Some classic GPM strategies including the sterile insect technology (SIT), female killing system (FKS) and release of insects carrying dominant lethality (RIDL) are reviewed here. The development history, technical characters and application of SIT, FKS and RIDL technologies are introduced. In recent years, many new molecular or biological tools like the homing endonuclease gene, zinc-finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, CRISPR/Cas9 system, medea element, the killer-rescue system and the Wolbachia-cytoplasmic incompatibility system were proposed to improve GPM efficiency. Some new tools were already used in control programs as next generation GPM strategies in some countries. The GPM practice in China is limited, and both basic and applied research on GPM should be enhanced, as the GPM technology can help with the sustainable management of some major pests and contribute to food production and human health in China.