diff --git a/lib/irc.js b/lib/irc.js
index b3087df4..0c7a0552 100644
--- a/lib/irc.js
+++ b/lib/irc.js
@@ -97,6 +97,8 @@ function Client(server, nick, opt) {
         self.activateFloodProtection();
     }
 
+    self.hostMask = '';
+
     // TODO - fail if nick or server missing
     // TODO - fail if username has a space in it
     if (self.opt.autoConnect === true) {