diff --git a/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py b/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py
index 81c28d19..9f60f9af 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py
@@ -608,13 +608,18 @@ class DAQWorker(QObject):
 
     @Slot(QNetworkReply)
     def handle_reference_tools_response(self, reply: QNetworkReply):
+        # not accumulate errors from reference tools, just log them
+        if reply.error() != QNetworkReply.NetworkError.NoError:
+            logger.debug(f"Reference tools request failed: {reply.errorString()}")
+            reply.deleteLater()
+            return
         try:
             response_data = self.handle_response(reply)
             parsed_response = SampleShortInfoList.model_validate_json(response_data)
             self.reference_tools.emit(parsed_response)
-        except Exception as e:
-            logger.exception("Exception from reference tools response")
-            self.http_error.emit(str(e))
+        except Exception:
+            # demote reference tool exception to debug
+            logger.debug("Exception from reference tools response", exc_info=True)
 
     def handle_req_response(self, reply: QNetworkReply):
         if reply.error() != QNetworkReply.NetworkError.NoError: