I wouldn't use ANY tape because it can get stuck on your snake and cause a lot of harm.

I would give him some small, secure hides. You want them to be large enough for them to fit in...but small enough for it to be really snug. They like tight, dark spaces. Hides should only have one entrance/exit.

If you want to outfit the log with another side, you can always use hot glue to glue down something to the back so there's only one entrance. Also, like suggested, you small box, butter container, really anything that you have laying around the house. I have some of my snakes with take-out containers, butter dishes, and vinyl glove boxes with just a single hole cut into them.

If you have another hide in addition to the log that only has one entrance, there's a possibility that it's just too big. If you find yourself with a hide that's too large, you can always add crumpled paper inside of it to make it seem smaller to your snake.

Try giving another hide/modifying the hides you have and see if he'll start to use them.