What insect is identified as light brown and about 1/2 inch long?

The light brown color and size of about 1/2 inch make the brown-banded cockroach a suitable identification in this context. Brown-banded cockroaches, which are a common pest in residential areas, exhibit a characteristic coloration and size that aligns closely with this description. They are identifiable not just by their size but also by the distinctive brown bands across their wings, which contribute to their name.

In contrast, while bedbugs are similar in length, they are not light brown but rather a more reddish-brown color and have a more oval, flat shape. The American dog tick differs both in color and size, as it is more of a darker brown and is larger due to its engorged state when fed. Carpenter ants are generally larger than 1/2 inch and are typically black, with some species having red or yellow variations, making them easily distinguishable from the cockroach. Hence, recognizing the brown-banded cockroach by its specific physical characteristics helps pinpoint it as the correct answer.