An American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) sits on top of a mirror, with its reflection visible, in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on July 14, 2026. The species, also known as the ''Bombay canary,'' measures 35 mm to 50 mm and prefers warm, humid environments. In Indian politics, the cockroach symbolizes a viral Gen Z satirical movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Founded in May 2026, the movement emerged after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant controversially likened unemployed youth and activists to ''cockroaches'' and ''parasites''. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Roomies! A huge cockroach landed on a reporter during a live broadcast on Tuesday, July 14, and her reaction is going viral. The KTLA reporter was broadcasting from Sherman Oaks, California, when the incident occurred.
KTLA reporter Rachel Menitoff was reporting on the current heatwave in California when a cockroach landed on her stomach.
According to The Los Angeles Times, parts of the state had heat reaching as high as 100 degrees. As Menitoff noted that the temperature was still in the 80s Tuesday night, the cockroach began crawling up her body.
The roach then scurried across her shoulder, neck, and chest before it flew away.
Menitoff did not flinch as the humongous cockroach crawled across her neck and chest.
@1buduchxp__ added, “little too comfortable.”
Other folks remarked on how they would have reacted in similar circumstances. @shelieka_dehaney replied, “A would a holler!!!!!!”
@lavishh.beyonce added, “Girl the job wouldve had to wait and we wouldve had to relocate .”
User @hair_palace_n_more joked, “Them seem more acquainted bout unexpected guest.”
@onlyonejungle admitted that she would have been unemployed. “Would’ve lost my Job. Instantly .”
@daveno.finesse joked, ̴When Mi Done Stop, Drop & Roll! is a Show Them a Get.”
After the viral incident, Menitoff opened up about her thoughts.
“Oh gosh. Oh, I feel something, Menitoff recalled, adding that she ignored it. “I knew it was on me. But I knew if I took notice of it, I wouldnt be able to continue on with the report. So I said to myself, just get through this moment and then kind of shake it off.”
Menitoff reportedly noted how the moment seemed fitting for the story she was reporting on.
Ironically, the story was about the extreme heat in the Valley. And these cockroaches are attracted to the heat and the warm temperatures and our camera lights. So, it was sort of the perfect environment for the roaches,” she said.
