In the future, you might want to put tinfoil over the sticky section of the heat mat. Then just affix it to the tub, tank, etc with aluminum tape and voila! You have a removable, reusable UTH. Makes your life a toooon easier to just pop it off and move it when you upgrade enclosures.

I'd definitely use gloves if you're fearful of her. I'll admit, I used them when I first started working with my gal. Kind of embarrassing that I was a bit scared of an itty bitty snake. But it will make you much more confident when handling your snake, and that will go a long way toward helping you settle her down.