diff --git a/src/simulation.hpp b/src/simulation.hpp
index d3ac0392d..2ea940265 100644
--- a/src/simulation.hpp
+++ b/src/simulation.hpp
@@ -1017,8 +1017,12 @@ template <typename problem_t> void AMRSimulation<problem_t>::calculateGpotAllLev
 			rhs[lev].setVal(0);
 		}
 
-		// deposit particles using amrex::ParticleToMesh
-		amrex::ParticleToMesh(*CICParticles, amrex::GetVecOfPtrs(rhs), 0, finest_level, quokka::CICDeposition{Gconst_, quokka::ParticleMassIdx, 0, 1});
+#ifdef AMREX_PARTICLES
+		if (do_cic_particles != 0) {
+			// deposit particles using amrex::ParticleToMesh
+			amrex::ParticleToMesh(*CICParticles, amrex::GetVecOfPtrs(rhs), 0, finest_level, quokka::CICDeposition{Gconst_, quokka::ParticleMassIdx, 0, 1});
+		}
+#endif
 
 		// add fluid density
 		for (int lev = 0; lev <= finest_level; ++lev) {