I go hiking a lot in the Hudson area of New York and have my concerns about ticks too. As you said, tall sock are recommended. I also use permethrin on all my lower items of clothing including shoes. I sometimes also use Off on my exposed skin areas and then check for ticks after my hikes.

My wife was once bitten by something through her pants. That left a small ring. I do doubt it was a tick though.

My sister on the other hand was bitten by something a few years ago, she thinks it was a spider. There were multiple red rings extending far and she started having other reactions and needed hospitalization. They pumped her so full of anti-biotics(was on a drip for days), it left her digestive system screwy for months but at least she does not have Lyme disease now.