Talking Snake

I'm a humble snake, I slither all around
Through grass and weeds, up hills and down.
Nothing frightens me—the opposite is true
I scare most people when I come in view.
"A slimy snake!" They screech and scream
Running away quickly across the stream.
I live mostly alone, my home is the Earth
They say I eat dirt, but it's bugs I prefer.
When I find a garden, I settle in with the growth
For I know that's where I'm appreciated most.
I eat pesky pests, protecting their plants
For that, gardeners tolerate me without any rants.

12 lines, rhyming couplets.