Flash a stripped down rom like LineageOS with minimal google services. De-crappify it. They are well supported and documented on XDA.

Ive never used a chromecast. Can they be flashed and de-googled?

I like Android overall, but I try and avoid as much google as I possibly can.

I made the mistake of using the LG smart tv features for like 2 years. I set up a pihole to block ads and eventually WebOS just quit working because ads and trackers did t work anymore. I factory reset the tv and switched over to a Roku stick. That worked well for nearly 4 years. Now I’m on a $19 ONN 4k streaming stick from Walmart. It’s actually kinda beef for what it is. Made by Asus and flashed LineageOS on it. Audio drops out and requires a reboot every few days. I want to move to a Nvidia shield but haven’t had the funds for it because I’m in a kitchen remodel.

I upgraded to a Creality Sprite Pro direct drive unit and it has been a game changer in terms of quality and consistency. Best thing I’ve done.

My partner does all the stuff mentioned by other posters; bottom watering, mosquito bits solution, a carnivorous plant with sticky leaves.

Still have gnats!

One thing I have seen her use are sticky gnat traps

[Like these](Effective Fruit Fly Trap - Yellow Sticky Traps for Gnats and Plants - Get Rid of Fruit Flies with Gnat Sticky Traps - Perfect for kitchens, patios, picnics https://a.co/d/1e1qeC1)

They are the only thing I have seen that cuts down on them.

Torx is for goobers. Use a Roberts bit and never worry again!