Deerflies

We live up in the woods and are plagued with biting insects for most of the summer. Mayflies, then mosquitoes, then deerflies. Nature has pretty much had her way with the surrounding area for decades, but I'm wondering if there is anything we can do, any plant, bird or critter we can welcome in, that will help cut the deerfly population down a tad. We have some chickens, no livestock, no ponds of our own save a vernal pond. There's a beaver pond about 700 feet from the house. Any ideas or successes?

Peggy Marko : Birds by day and Bats at twilight ! Big AL

Tree swallows are easily attracted to nest boxes if you have a pond or marsh anywhere close by. They eat insects on the wing, all day long. This includes beneficial bugs too, I'm sure, but on balance I like having them around. We've had fewer house flies, and deer flies, since we drew a pair to our yard. They're also fun to watch.

Thanks! I love tree swallows, and plan to put up a few nesting boxes this spring. We have been getting a TON of dragonflies in the past couple of years Wondering who will follow them in, but loving them in the meantime.