A particulate matter detection apparatus is provided with an element portion onto which PM contained in exhaust gas of an engine adheres thereto. A heater which heats the element portion, a quantity detecting portion which detects a quantity of the PM based on electrical properties of the element portion and a temperature detecting portion which detects a temperature of the element portion. The apparatus is further provided with a first and second temperature controller. The first temperature controller heats the element portion using a heater in a first period, which excludes a period in which PM adheres to the element portion based on a detected temperature of the element portion. The element portion is heated in a first temperature range to combust soluble organic fractions contained in the PM and resist melting of ash components contained in the PM. The first period excludes a period in which PM adheres to the element portion. The second temperature controller heats the element portion in the second temperature range, which is higher than the first temperature range using the heater, such that ash is combusted, based on a detected temperature of the element portion.