diff --git a/code/modules/shieldgen/shield_gen.dm b/code/modules/shieldgen/shield_gen.dm
index 9f89ede039..544998ce61 100644
--- a/code/modules/shieldgen/shield_gen.dm
+++ b/code/modules/shieldgen/shield_gen.dm
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@
 		for(var/turf/O in covered_turfs)
 			var/obj/effect/energy_field/E = new(O)
 			field.Add(E)
-		qdel(covered_turfs)
+		covered_turfs = null
 
 		for(var/mob/M in view(5,src))
 			M << "\icon[src] You hear heavy droning start up."