Which insect is black and red, occasionally found inside homes and feeds on the seeds of trees?

The box elder bug is the correct answer because it is characterized by its distinctive black and red coloring. These insects are commonly found in and around homes, especially during the fall when they seek shelter for the winter. Box elder bugs primarily feed on the seeds and leaves of box elder trees and other maples, which is consistent with their diet. Their tendency to enter homes in search of warmth makes them a common sight in residential areas, adding to their visibility and prevalence.

In contrast, the other insects listed have different characteristics and behaviors. The western conifer seed bug is more closely associated with conifer trees and does not typically invade homes in the same manner. Clover mites are small and usually green or red but do not exhibit the black and red coloration typical of box elder bugs and feed on plants like grass rather than tree seeds. Field crickets are primarily recognized for their chirping sounds and are not identified by the same color pattern; they tend to live outdoors rather than invading homes and have a different diet, primarily feeding on decaying organic matter and plant material.