KTLA Reporter Maintains Composure as Large Cockroach Lands on Her During Live Heatwave Report

During a live broadcast on Tuesday evening, KTLA reporter Rachel Menitoff was reporting from Sherman Oaks on the ongoing heatwave in Southern California when a large flying cockroach landed on her shoulder and crawled across her chest and neck. Despite the distraction, Menitoff continued her report calmly, noting that nighttime temperatures remained around 30 degrees Celsius, limiting relief from the daytime heat. The insect eventually jumped onto her microphone and flew away, after which she shook it off once the live segment ended.

Menitoff later told KTLA that she was aware of the cockroach but consciously chose to stay focused to complete the report. "I said to myself, just get through this moment," she explained. She also noted the irony that the cockroach was attracted to the heat and the bright lights of the cameras, making the setting ideal for such an encounter.

The clip quickly went viral on social media, with colleagues praising Menitoff's professionalism and composure. Fellow KTLA reporters and anchors expressed admiration for her calmness, with meteorologist Kirk Hawkins joking about the fear of flying cockroaches causing nightmares. The incident highlighted Menitoff's ability to maintain focus under unexpected pressure during a live broadcast.