diff --git a/worms.lua b/worms.lua
index d7a701f..a59ee55 100755
--- a/worms.lua
+++ b/worms.lua
@@ -17,8 +17,10 @@ minetest.register_craftitem("fishing:bait_worm", {
 	inventory_image = "fishing_bait_worm.png",
 	on_place = function(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing)
 		local pt = pointed_thing
-		minetest.add_entity({x=pt.under.x, y=pt.under.y+0.6, z=pt.under.z}, "fishing:bait_worm_entity")
-		itemstack:take_item()
+		if not minetest.is_protected(pt.under, placer:get_player_name()) then
+			minetest.add_entity({x=pt.under.x, y=pt.under.y+0.6, z=pt.under.z}, "fishing:bait_worm_entity")
+			itemstack:take_item()
+		end
 		return itemstack
 	end,
 	on_drop = function(itemstack, dropper, pos)