diff --git a/gurt/listeners.py b/gurt/listeners.py
index 84a14d7..9221792 100644
--- a/gurt/listeners.py
+++ b/gurt/listeners.py
@@ -566,6 +566,11 @@ async def on_message_listener(cog: "GurtCog", message: discord.Message):
     if not should_consider_responding:
         return
 
+    # If in DMs and triggered by a direct mention or reply, inform user and skip AI
+    if message.guild is None and (bot_mentioned or replied_to_bot or gurt_in_message):
+        await message.channel.send("AI functionality is disabled in DMs.")
+        return
+
     # --- Call AI and Handle Response ---
     cog.current_channel = (
         message.channel