diff --git a/direct/src/showbase/DirectObject.py b/direct/src/showbase/DirectObject.py
index c445099c7e..71a9b0c99f 100644
--- a/direct/src/showbase/DirectObject.py
+++ b/direct/src/showbase/DirectObject.py
@@ -83,6 +83,9 @@ class DirectObject:
         del self._taskList[task.id]        
         
     def detectLeaks(self):
+        if not __dev__:
+            return
+        
         # call this after the DirectObject instance has been destroyed
         # if it's leaking, will notify user