Any "bad bug" solutions that don't deter good bugs?

[OneGrassRoot]

I just potted a bunch of plants (going with container gardening since I'll have to shift their location due to diminishing sunlight in the backyard) and already see the pesky flies (I guess they're also called gnats but they sure look like little flies to me) on nearly everything, which makes me think it was the super rich soil I used. I did create a mixture for the container soil but oh well...

Anyway, I'm wondering if doing things like rubbing essential oils like rosemary and peppermint on the rims of the containers would suffice in deterring the bad bugs but I don't want to repel good ones. Googling isn't being helpful in this regard so far.

I did spray an organic garden pest solution on the soil itself, and I will get marigolds to place in the various container areas. Still, I'm really curious about using essential oils as a deterrent so long as ladybugs and others aren't deterred as well.

Any experiences in this regard? Thanks!

[TygrBright]

1. Gnats may go away as the soil habituates and their natural predators find them outdoors. n/t

[OneGrassRoot]

3. Ah, you made me realize something...

I also have an unusual number of frog and lizard sightings near these plants...lol. Thanks!

[Tetrachloride]

2. General purpose: marigolds, garlic

[Jerry2144]

4. You could try an empty bottle partly filled with white vinegar

It usually lures fungus gnats and kills them. But keep an eye to make sure the good bugs in your climate don’t drown. If it starts attracting good ones, then get rid of the container. This works well for house plants

[Quakerfriend]

5. Sprinkle cinnamon on plant soil- It works! n/t

[Jilly_in_VA]

6. I used to use

A spray made of water, green soap (available at your pharmacy), garlic, and cayenne pepper. If you can't find green soap, you can try Dawn. Or Epsom salts.

[OneGrassRoot]

7. Oooh, I love these tips!

Can’t wait to check back later.

Thank you all.

[vanlassie]

8. We're having lots in my community and someone said

they make tunnel nests in the potted soil. They suggested having a plastic fork to stir the soil frequently, poking the fork in to the soil to keep it handy.

[dutch777]

9. I use the large rolls of fly paper from Tractor Supply. Gets 98% bad bugs-- flies and gnats

I have a large lot with lots of ivy and other groundcover that provides breeding grounds. I have two rolls of the flypaper hanging on the hidden sides of fencing. I also put out buckets of water with mosquito dunks in them and that seems to be helping too.

[OneGrassRoot]

10. Thank you all so much. I appreciate the wisdom. :) n/t