New ball python help?

[B.P.'s 4me]

I just recently got a baby ball python (August 28th), he was shipped and is over a month old. I got his terrarium all set up and I'm having trouble maintaining humidity and temperature. The basking temp has reached over 95 degrees and the humidity does not stay between 55-60%. Whenever I do cover the top mesh cover with towels, the temperature slowly starts to rise. So I have to keep misting the terrarium. How do I go about keeping them maintained? The only way I could lower the basking temp is turning off the infrared heat lamp, and I've spooked him a few times trying to mist. I know I am most likely stressing him out, so any advice?

He is in a 20gal terrarium. The cool side is always the same; 78 degrees. The current humidity is slowly dropping down to 54% and his current basking temp is 93 degrees.

I'm a first-time owner, so anything helps.

Also, yesterday was supposed to be his feeding day, but his food has not arrived. I don't live anywhere near where I could get good quality hoppers. Will he be okay till next Friday without food?

(There's a lot going on, I know)

I'm sure there are those who will be able to offer more help than I can, but to get you started please research the following. 1.) Ball pythons don't need a basking light, they really aren't a basking snake. They DO need belly heat, so forget about the light (which dries out the environment) and provide a source of bottom heat. 2.) It's critical that you have a thermostat to prevent your heat source from getting hot enough to burn your snake, NOT having one puts your snake at risk, of serious injury due to burns. 3.) Relating to #2, your snake will appreciate 2 hides, one in the warm area, one in the cool area. This allows him to feel comfortable and secure in either temperature range. Some snakes would rather be too hot/cold than be out in the open and if their temperatures aren't correct, it may affect their appetites and ability to digest their food. 4.) It is recommended that a new snake should be given a week to settle in before offering food, so you're o.k. In future, however, try to ensure you always have enough for at least 3 weeks at a time. This will ensure that you're prepared in the event of a delay in your order or difficulty in getting to a pet store (or wherever you buy your food). Hope these suggestions are helpful, and hopefully someone else will chime in as well.