'Sharknado' actor raises awareness of chemical harming bees

STUDIO CITY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An actor known for his role in "Sharknado" is leading a crusade against a product he said is harmful to honey bees.

Actor Ian Ziering and his wife are urban beekeepers who are raising awareness among consumers and companies of pesticides containing neonicotinoids.

"Pesticides are a leading contributor to the die-off," Ziering said.

Ziering is part of a campaign that has already drawn support from Lowe's Home Improvement, Home Depot and now Ace Hardware.

Ace Hardware told ABC7 on Friday, "Ace will be diligent in working with our vendors to take appropriate action to protect pollinators."

The company went on to say replacement products will be available by spring of 2019.

But Ziering said he believes 2019 is too late, and the date should be moved forward.

The chemical producer Syngenta said pesticides save the nation's food supply from invasive pests and that, "bee health is affected by multiple factors including parasites, diseases, habitat and nutrition, weather and hive management practices."

Ziering blamed pesticides for a die off at his hive.

"We should have had about 60 pounds of honey from our bees. This year we only had 25 pounds," Ziering said.

California State Pesticide Regulators told ABC7 they are partnering with scientists to test the potency of the pesticides which may lead to restrictions.