Hey, I'm trying to set up a tub for a baby ball python.

I have the thermostat set at 84 degrees F, since the temperature tends to rise for a bit after the thermostat shuts the heat pad off. But the temperature tends to get up to 98-102 degrees before going back down. Is there any way to circumvent this? Do I need a new heat pad or something?

I should clarify that this is the temperature of the bottom of the tub. With the substrate (newspaper), it's several degrees cooler. It's layered like heat pad > tub > probe > two sheets of newspaper.

This will be my first time owning a snake, want to make sure I get everything right. Thanks!