The pet product market is flooded with flea killers, repellents, shampoos, sprays and goos, and most of them are highly effective. However, they're made from dangerous chemicals that contain neurotoxins that could potentially pose a thread to your and your pet.

This is no chemical romance.

Lucky for us all, there are some simple natural methods to deal with fleas and it's easy to make your own flea products based on your comfort level.

Fleas are repulsed by a number of natural essential oils. Although this is not a comprehensive list, some of the most common oils that repel fleas are:

• citronella
• cedar
• peppermint
• rosemary
• lavender
• eucalyptus
• lemongrass

These oils can be used alone or in combination to repel fleas from your canine and feline companions, as well as from your home in general. Here are a few recipes I use to deal with these pesky pests in my home - without chemicals!

Essential oils should be used in moderation.

Natural Flea Bath 
1-2 oz liquid castile soap (such as )
10 drops of any one or a combination of the oils listed above (I typically use a combination of eucalyptus, cedar and lavender)

Mix oils and soap in a plastic squeeze bottle. Thoroughly wet your critter around their neck and apply soap there first, working into a thick lather all the way around the neck. This will prevent the fleas from "escaping" to your critter's ears and face once you really get down to business. Once your soapy collar is in place, continue to apply soap generously to the rest of the body, using your fingers to get the lather through all layers of fur.

Once your furry friend is completely covered in suds, let the soap do its work. Fleas can breathe underwater but they can't breath through soap, so it's important to keep your animal soaped for several minutes to kill as many fleas as possible. Rinse thoroughly, starting at the tail and working your way toward that soapy neck. If necessary, wash the face last. My canine kid is pretty picky, so I usually skip her face in the bath and then get her later with a washcloth.

Natural Flea Spray
16 oz dark colored glass spray bottle
Spring or distilled water
10 to 20 drops of any one or a combination of the oils listed above

Mix in spray bottle and use on your critter in between baths, on their bedding, around doorways and to spray on areas where you think fleas might be nesting in your home, such as dark corners and carpeted areas. Because this spray is intended to repel fleas rather than kill them, it's great to use before heading to the dog park or training class, or anywhere else your pup might normally pick up fleas!

Natural Freshening Spray
16 oz spray bottle (glass is preferred)
2 cups hot water
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 tsp dried mint (or 1 peppermint teabag)
2-3 drops orange essential oil
1 tsp vinegar

Steep rosemary and mint in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain out plant matter and allow reserved liquid to cool to room temperature. Stir in orange oil and vinegar. Pour into spray bottle. Use this spray in-between baths as a refresher, after dirty walks or trips to the dog park, or anytime your pooch needs a little freshening up. You can spray it directly on your dog or apply with a washcloth or rag. No rinsing required!

Where to get essential oils and other natural ingredients
While you can find essential oils at many natural markets and even some grocery stores these days, I still prefer to order mine from Mountain Rose Herbs. Their products are always fresh, top quality and organic, and the prices are quite reasonable. They also sell bottles and containers of all kinds for your homemade concoctions, as well as a number of natural pet products, if you're just not into mixing things yourself.

Whether you opt to buy premade natural pet products or make your own, going natural is one small way to make a big difference in the lives of you and your furry friends!