diff --git a/conf.py b/conf.py
index bd94e8315..8ab449b01 100644
--- a/conf.py
+++ b/conf.py
@@ -145,8 +145,6 @@ def write_script_docs():
     magic strings.
     """
     kinds = document_scripts()
-    if not os.path.isdir('docs/_auto'):
-        os.mkdir('docs/_auto')
     head = {
         'base': 'Basic Scripts',
         'devel': 'Development Scripts',
diff --git a/docs/_auto/.gitignore b/docs/_auto/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..30d85567b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/_auto/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+*.rst