A local company that fights mosquitoes is taking steps to help fellow humans do the same thousands of miles away.

Mosquito Joe, which treats residential and commercial properties to rid them of mosquitoes and other blood-sucking pests, is conducting a fundraiser during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week to donate to the United Nations initiative “Nothing But Nets,” which aims to get mosquito nets to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria kill thousands of children each year.

For every new customer that signs up from June 25 to July 1, the local franchise will donate $10 to Nothing But Nets, said Glenn Coffey, owner of the franchise, and Melissa Poole, operations manager.

The company also will collect donations from people who want to give on their own.

“People are excited to donate to such an awesome cause,” said Poole, noting the company is matching donations. “It really helps us to spread the word.”

Mosquito nets cover the sleeping area of users, preventing them from getting bitten by a potentially disease-carrying mosquito while they sleep.

“Mosquitoes here are just a nuisance. We don’t realize how dangerous they are,” Poole said. “A net literally can save their life.”

Coffey said the company has done other charity initiatives in the past during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, such as collecting monetary donations for the local blood bank. They will do that this year as well, he said, but they were excited for the Nothing But Nets project.

Coffey especially liked the connection to the United Nations. He has also been to Africa himself and seen the devastating effects of disease like malaria.

“The need is very great for them,” he said. “They don’t have the mosquito control technology.”

The company’s goal is $15,000. Every $10 provides a net to a person in need, educates them on its use and supports other initiatives in the communities to help reduce the spread of mosquito-borne illness.

Visit tinyurl.com/suffolknets to donate to the initiative, or call 942-2360.