diff --git a/.gitea/workflows/deploy.yml b/.gitea/workflows/deploy.yml
index c59f502..7596331 100644
--- a/.gitea/workflows/deploy.yml
+++ b/.gitea/workflows/deploy.yml
@@ -26,5 +26,5 @@ jobs:
       - name: Start server in screen session
         run: |
           cd ~/apps/mesh-map
-          setsid screen -dmS mesh_map_server bash -c 'python3 app.py > server.log 2>&1'
+          setsid screen -dmS mesh_map_server bash -c 'source venv/bin/activate && python3 app.py > server.log 2>&1'
           echo "Server started in detached screen session"
diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ced3ff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+venv/*
\ No newline at end of file