diff --git a/code/game/objects/effects/overlays.dm b/code/game/objects/effects/overlays.dm
index 3e40e202867..d3c3c73e077 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/effects/overlays.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/effects/overlays.dm
@@ -299,8 +299,9 @@
 
 /obj/effect/overlay/temp/sparkle/New(atom/movable/AM)
 	..()
-	attached_to = AM
-	attached_to.overlays += src
+	if(istype(AM))
+		attached_to = AM
+		attached_to.overlays += src
 
 /obj/effect/overlay/temp/sparkle/Destroy()
 	if(attached_to)