I'm South African and we have lots of nasty snakes, scorpions and bugs and much larger dangerous creatures back home so we learn to be aware of nature and snakes in particular from a young age.
My partner, who's British, has never seen a snake here in the UK but I've had the privilege of meeting an adder whilst doing a CITO event at Seven Sisters...
Poky stick for feeling in holes and the like, a good torch to light dark spots and proper boots if you're out walking.