Your snake can burrow down and burn it self. You need a thermostat to control the heat pad. A hydrofarm is a cheap (and temporary, imo) option from amazon. The best option (imo) is a Herpstat. A thermostat will control your heat source, and keep it from getting too hot.
Edit:
http://spyderrobotics.com/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NZZG3S