When I was stalking or grouse beating on the heather clad Angus glens I never ever once saw an Adder - despite the warning signs. Or even anywhere other estate I was working on - including Perthshire.
The worst place I've ever seen for Adders was a marshy area near Stirling known for seagull breeding, full of Adders it was but, as far as I know, no one was ever bitten. Quite elusive creatures I reckon.
As for ticks and high boots/gaiters, that's a different story. I always wore the high green wellies with the strap and buckle (and still do) cos gaiters weren't really any good at keeping out the tiny wee beasties from latching on to my legs. I've
never had ticks when wearing my wellies.
A wee song about wellies springs to mind from Billy Connolly.
If it wisnae fur ma wellies where would ah be
ah'd be in the hospital or in the infirmary
cos ah wid hiv a dose o'the flu or even pleurisy
If ah didnae hiv ma feet in ma wellies.
That's where boots and gaiters let you down I guess. Soggy feet, socks, boots, gaiters, wrinkled toes, ticks, ad nauseam - great for rocky ground though, wellies are rubbish for that terrain.