If the tape is inside the habitat at all then you should remove it immediately as it can stick to the snake and cause damage to the snake.

If you want to make your heating pad safer attach it to a ceramic tile then put the ceramic tile under your tank or tub. You can keep the probe on the pad but you need to get an ir-thermometer to get accurate surface temperatures in your habitat then adjust accordingly. I have my rack set to 102.5 to get my temps where I want them.

If you haven't read over the care sheet yet take the time to do it > Care Sheet

Let me know if this answers your questions or if it just made more.

Mike