This thesis uses Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to optimize trace insecticide detection mechanisms. Traditional methods for trace insecticide detection include Gas Chromatography (GC)/Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methods. Although standard, these methods require large sample volumes and extensive sample preparation. A diagnostic method overcoming these issues is SERS. SERS increases the Raman signal of an analyte by chemisorption of the molecule to the surface of a noble metal or excitation of surface plasmon resonance at the metal surface. To optimize SERS enhancement factors we have used aptamers to increase a molecule's SERS signal by bringing the molecule in closer proximity to the metal surface. In this thesis, the efficiency of two malathion-specific aptamers is quantified using surface plasmon resonance techniques. Additionally, a novel Surface-Enhanced Raman Diagnostic Membrane is utilized for insecticide residue analysis. iii