diff --git a/code/game/objects/structures/ladders.dm b/code/game/objects/structures/ladders.dm
index 8c23c5046cc..a5643aee093 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/structures/ladders.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/structures/ladders.dm
@@ -66,6 +66,8 @@
 		go_up(user,is_ghost)
 	else if(down)
 		go_down(user,is_ghost)
+	else
+		user << "<span class='warning'>[src] doesn't seem to lead anywhere!</span>"
 
 	if(!is_ghost)
 		add_fingerprint(user)