A KTLA reporter who gained attention for calmly continuing a live broadcast after a flying cockroach landed on her has received a special gift from pest control brand Raid.
Reporter Rachel Menitoff was recognized by the company after a video of the unusual on-air moment spread widely online. Raid sent her a “live shot survival kit” designed to help her handle any unexpected interruptions during future broadcasts.
The gift came after Menitoff maintained her composure during a live report in Sherman Oaks, where a cockroach crawled onto her during coverage of Southern California’s heat conditions.
Encounter
The unusual moment happened earlier this month while Menitoff was reporting live from Sherman Oaks about the effects of a lingering heat wave.
During the broadcast, a flying cockroach landed on her shoulder before moving across her neck and chest and eventually reaching her microphone.
Despite the unexpected interruption, Menitoff continued delivering her report without stopping. Viewers later praised her ability to stay focused and professional while dealing with the situation.
She explained that she was aware the insect was on her but decided not to react immediately because doing so could have interrupted the live report.
“I knew it was on me,” Menitoff said. “But I knew if I took notice of it, I wouldn’t be able to continue on with the report.”
Reaction
After finishing the live segment, Menitoff finally responded to the insect and brushed it away.
“Oh gosh. Oh, I feel something,” she said after the report ended.
She later explained that the circumstances of the story itself may have contributed to the encounter. The report focused on extreme heat in the Valley, and she noted that warmer temperatures and bright camera lights can attract certain insects.
The moment quickly gained attention online, with many viewers commenting on her calm reaction and ability to continue working despite the unexpected visitor.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Reporter | Rachel Menitoff |
| Station | KTLA |
| Location | Sherman Oaks, California |
| Incident | Flying cockroach during live report |
| Public reaction | Viral online attention |
| Recognition | Gift from Raid |
Gift
Raid responded to the viral moment by sending Menitoff a special package called a “live shot survival kit.”
The kit was created as a humorous way to recognize her professionalism and prepare her for possible future encounters with unwanted insects during broadcasts.
Menitoff showed the package on KTLA Thursday, July 30, 2026. The gift included pest protection products, a hat, roach repellent, stickers, and a branded bag.
The company also included a message praising her response during the incident.
“First things first, major respect,” the card read. “While most of us would have immediately abandoned the live shot and probably the state, you handled an unexpected flying cockroach encounter with incredible professionalism, composure and good humor.”
Response
Menitoff appeared amused by the unexpected recognition and said the gift was a perfect fit for the situation.
“This is perfect,” she said while opening the package.
Raid said the kit was intended to help ensure the reporter was ready for “whatever decides to crash your next broadcast.”
The gesture highlighted how a brief and unusual live television moment turned into a widely shared story, with viewers and brands recognizing Menitoff’s ability to remain composed under pressure.
Broadcast
Live reporting often involves unpredictable situations, from changing weather conditions to unexpected interruptions. Reporters working in outdoor environments may encounter challenges that are difficult to anticipate.
Menitoff’s reaction showed the importance of staying focused during live coverage. Instead of allowing the distraction to affect the report, she continued delivering information to viewers.
The incident also demonstrated how moments from local news broadcasts can quickly reach a larger audience through online sharing.
Rachel Menitoff’s flying cockroach encounter became an unexpected viral moment after she continued her live report without interruption. Raid’s special gift recognized her calm response and added a humorous ending to a broadcast moment that many viewers remembered.
FAQs
Who is Rachel Menitoff?
She is a KTLA reporter based in Southern California.
What happened during her report?
A flying cockroach landed on her during a live broadcast.
Where did the incident happen?
The incident happened during a Sherman Oaks live report.
What did Raid send her?
Raid sent a live shot survival kit with pest products.
Did she stop the broadcast?
No, she continued reporting until the segment ended.
