diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/living.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/living.dm
index f0de8268303..28757863c97 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/living.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/living.dm
@@ -529,8 +529,8 @@
 		for(var/atom/A in M.contents)
 			if(istype(A,/mob/living/simple_animal/borer) || istype(A,/obj/item/weapon/holder))
 				return
+		M.status_flags &= ~PASSEMOTES
 
-	M.status_flags &= ~PASSEMOTES
 	return
 
 /* resist_borer allows a mob to regain control of their body after a borer has assumed control.