diff --git a/lib/roles/reaper.js b/lib/roles/reaper.js
index 1f0acf25..d4cc97d2 100644
--- a/lib/roles/reaper.js
+++ b/lib/roles/reaper.js
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ module.exports = function(options) {
       })
   }
 
+  reap()
   timer = setInterval(reap, options.reapInterval)
 
   process.on('SIGINT', function() {