You need digital thermometer, the stick on ones are junk and not accurate, a digital one has a probe and you can stick it right in the hide to measure substrate temps. Temp guns are nice to measure substrate temps too.

Your hides should be enclosed with an opening obviously, but your snake should fit in it and be snug so it will feel secure.

So just make sure you unplug that heat pad until you get a thermostat, your heat lamp should keep temps suitable until you can get a thermostat. Ideal temps are 88-92 hot side, 78-82 cool side and air temps shouldn't drop below 75