diff --git a/buildman/buildcomponent.py b/buildman/buildcomponent.py
index 6f362fde2..f47de4022 100644
--- a/buildman/buildcomponent.py
+++ b/buildman/buildcomponent.py
@@ -274,6 +274,7 @@ class BuildComponent(BaseComponent):
     # Set the component back to a running state.
     self._set_status(ComponentStatus.RUNNING)
 
+  @staticmethod
   def _ping():
     """ Ping pong. """
     return 'pong'