diff --git a/src/mhitu.c b/src/mhitu.c
index 385668121..9ed14381e 100644
--- a/src/mhitu.c
+++ b/src/mhitu.c
@@ -270,10 +270,10 @@ expels(
     unstuck(mtmp); /* ball&chain returned in unstuck() */
     mnexto(mtmp, RLOC_NOMSG);
     newsym(u.ux, u.uy);
-    spoteffects(TRUE);
     /* to cover for a case where mtmp is not in a next square */
     if (um_dist(mtmp->mx, mtmp->my, 1))
         pline("Brrooaa...  You land hard at some distance.");
+    spoteffects(TRUE);
 }
 
 /* select a monster's next attack, possibly substituting for its usual one */