In turf, burrows constructed by the nymphs and adults result in unsightly mounds of small soil pellets which may smother the surrounding grass. Burrows are most abundant when soil is moist and just after a rain during the warm part of the season. Nymphs and adults may feed upon blades of grass at night but the extent of damage is apparently negligible. After several molts in early spring, the insect reaches the adult stage. Mating occurs and oviposition begins in late spring or early summer.
Hatching takes place in a multi-chambered burrow constructed by the adult.
For a short period of time, both eggs and nymphs may be found in the burrow. Between the fourth and sixth instars, nymphs begin to leave the parent burrows and construct burrows of their own. Only one shorttailed cricket is found per burrow except for a short time when certain burrows contain eggs and nymphs. At present there is no chemical registered specifically for shorttailed cricket control.