News reporter Rachel Menitoff of KTLA 5 in Los Angeles captured attention when a surprising visitor interrupted her live broadcast. During her late-night report in Sherman Oaks on Tuesday, a cockroach landed on her while discussing the ongoing heat wave.

Despite temperatures remaining in the 80s late into the night, Menitoff calmly continued her report. She noted, “Overnight temperatures aren’t necessarily dropping, leading to less recovery time from the daytime heat.” The cockroach startled viewers as it crawled over her neck and chest, but Menitoff did not falter. The insect eventually flew off her microphone.

The following morning, her colleagues shared the video, showing Menitoff brushing the insect away after the broadcast. Fellow reporters commended her professionalism and cool demeanor. “That’s our Rachel Menitoff, who is so professional. She kept her cool,” remarked anchor Megan Henderson.

Menitoff later shared her thoughts in an interview, explaining her decision to stay focused. “I said to myself, just get through this moment and then kind of shake it off.” She pointed out that cockroaches are drawn to the intense heat and the camera lights they use, which led to the encounter.

The incident ignited discussions on social media, with many praising Menitoff’s calmness and critiquing the cleanliness of Los Angeles. Conservative commentator Steve Guest criticized the city’s condition, “Karen Bass’s LA is overrun by cockroaches. Gross.” Meanwhile, journalist Jeff Vaughn admitted he wouldn’t have remained as composed.

Others made light-hearted comments about the situation. Gio Benitez of “Good Morning America” joked, “@RachelMenitoff would’ve crushed it on ‘Fear Factor’.” The episode highlighted Menitoff’s professionalism and sparked commentary on local issues.