(Natural News) Insect pests are some of the worst problems you'll encounter as a pet or livestock owner. While commercial insecticides are readily available, they can be harmful to the environment and your animals due to their chemical content. Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that can provide the same results without the damaging effects of synthetic insect repellents. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com.)

Hitchhikers

Most insect pests find their way into homes and onto animals by hitching a ride on your clothes or your pet's fur after you've enjoyed some time outdoors. If left unnoticed, these insects can multiply by the thousands and cause an annoying and potentially dangerous infestation.

Fleas are parasites that are dark brown or light golden brown in color, and can be as big as a sesame seed when filled with eggs. They're attracted to warm-blooded animals and feed on their blood. Fleas can easily become a problem in your home if they find their way inside, as they also go after human blood. Flea bites are known to cause anemia and tapeworms in the host. The secret behind controlling fleas is getting rid of their larvae and eggs.

Natural flea deterrents include essential oils, baking soda, lemon spray, and rosemary, to name a few. Plants such as pennyroyal, chrysanthemums, lavender and spearmint are also great options for keeping away fleas. Grow these in your home for additional natural insect repellents.

Ticks are small arachnids that are commonly found feeding off the blood of house pets; mainly dogs. They're most abundant from spring to late fall, but can be found all year long. It's crucial to do a thorough tick check on your clothing and body, as well as your pet's body after being outside, especially in heavy-wooded and tall-grassed areas. Ticks thrive best in warm temperatures; you can find most of them attached to the belly, head, or around the eyes of your pet.