I suspect that my potting soil is a breeding ground for gnats or fruit flies or some other similar annoying bug. I recently planted some seeds in pots and now I have some flies. Yuck. Is this a regular occurrence with potting soil (I used Miracle Gro, it’s happened with regular and organic)? Can I kill the bugs without killing the plants, or do I have to toss everything? And how do I keep it from happening again?
I’ve heard Gnatrol and Mosquito Dunks recommended, can anyone give me some advice on prevention as well as reaction? Thanks!

Lexi, those are probably Fungus Gnats.

Here's a couple sites on controlling them.
One

Two

Thanks, Kendor. I went to a garden store over the weekend and got some sprays, too. I think I'm overwatering, for one. Yech. Do you think mixing vermiculite or something with the potting soil would help, or I'm I just doomed to a cycle of kill-and-control?

Lexi...same here...ever since I got that damn norfolk island pine we have been swatting at those tiny oain in the neck gnats...glad you asked this question.

I hear that apple cider vinegar is something that they like. Put some into a jar, covered with plastic wrap and put a couple of tiny holes onto the top. Apparently they will come into the jar... and will not be able to find their way out.

Sad, I know. But some sad things are good things!