Hello all, I bought my first ever houseplant that was on sale a few weeks ago however I've noticed that a few of its leaves appear to have been chewed through. I've spotted a few tiny fly like bugs that I'm guessing are the culprits.

Could anybody please help me with how I can get rid of these and prevent this happening in the future? (I'd also love it if somebody could identify the plant for me too! )

Thank you!

Hi
The tiny flies are more likely to be 'fungus gnats' in the soil. They don't chew on leaves. They lay eggs in damp soil, then grow up and fly around.
If there is loose soil above the roots, take it off. The roots is came with don't need to be buried any more, should be exposed the same as they had been growing.
Don't water too frequently- plants need to breathe as well as drink.
Beware the pot with attached saucer (I think) - I find many of them don't drain well and stay wet longer.
Buy sticky traps for gnats
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XLM4FWL/

I'm not sure on ID- a Dracaena, a Cordyline? Without an ID I'd say you want it placed near a window. Many plant owners start out thinking plants are OK anywhere in a house, but typical house interiors are too dim for long term plant growing.

Your plant looks nice and I wouldn't worry over a few small damages. It doesn't look fresh, is it possible you just now noticed small defects that were on the plant when you bought it? Do you have a cat?

Thank you so much for your detailed reply!

Think you may be right with the ID'ing of Dracaena. Ah I wasn't aware of that issue with this pot, would you be kind enough to recommend one or have an example as one that would be better please?

I don't have a cat and I've only noticed the 'nicks' in the leaves recently, prehaps I'll take a few photos every now and then so I have something to compare to..

When you say the plant doesn't look fresh do you think I need to re-soil it? (Apologies for these basic questions, I honestly know absolutely nothing about plants but am eager to learn)

Thank you again for your response, I really appreciate it.

Definitely needs more light. Within 4' of a window. Further from a South window, closer to a North window.
The saucer just makes it a little trickier to time watering. Let it get dry about 2-3" down and you should be okay. Otherwise shift it to any pot big enough with holes in the bottom.
The damage looks more like snail or slug chewing. Whatever it was, it has probably died by now.

Happy Plant Parenting!

By not fresh I meant the damage night have happened before you bought it. The plant looks fresh and happy. but as said, will probably want more light than a typical middle of the room tabletop for example.
My potting preference is to use cheap thin plastic nursery pots, and hide them in nicer pots. Nursery pots have lots of holes to ensure water and air can move.

Looks like old damage to me too but still a great looking plant.