We put up a "Martin Mansion" at the back of our yard 3 years ago. The first Spring a family of Purple Martins came in and ran off all the other birds. It was great because there was hardly a bug in the back yard for the whole summer. No 'skeeters! Martins are very friendly & curious birds too, they will hover around and sing when you're outside.
Last year they came back, stayed for a few days, and then left
A friend of mine who has a bunch of successfull Martin houses says some trees have grown too close to the Martin mansion. He says Martins will quit coming to a mansion if there are trees of any size within 50'. Our mansion is next to a creek in the backyard, and some fast growing River Birch are growing up near it. Now in the 3rd year I'm seeing some more Martins out there over the last few days. Maybe they will stick around this year.
