To answer your original question. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives to a herpstat. A hydrofarm thermostat is a pretty reliable and much cheaper option. About $30 on Amazon. They're a good option when you're on a budget, but with five snakes it might be better to go with the herpstat. The herpstat has certain fail safes built in to keep your pets safe and with a collection like that I would recommend it, getting five snakes treated for burns at the vet is a lot more expensive than a herpstat.
You'll have to excuse us if we seem rude, but your current set up is severely risking your snakes health whether you think it is or not. An unregulated heat pad gets WAY hotter than 90 degrees so it sounds like whatever method you are using to read temps is not accurate. With your thermostat I would recommend also getting a temp gun or some digital thermometers with probes (accurite makes a good one) to accurately read your belly heat, ambient temps, and humidity.
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