Controversy is brewing over a weapon that's being used in Suffolk's war on mosquitoes.

Methoprene is a larvicide sprayed from helicopters to kill Suffolk's mosquito population.

Kevin McAllister, a Peconic baykeeper, says the methoprene used to kill mosquitoes is bad for Long Island's waterways.

"Basically, it affects crustaceans, and they show high mortality when exposed to methoprene," McAllister says.

George Rigby, a 40-year clammer, says his shellfish business is shrinking due to the widespread helicopter spraying.

Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman is the author of a proposed bill which would set tough new restrictions on larvicides. He says his bill is being introduced in the Suffolk Legislature and could be voted on before the end of the year.

Suffolk County's chief spokesperson told News 12, "Methoprene is safe, and there is no new scientifically validated data that substantiates claims that methoprene will harm shellfish."