yea i have an IR thermometer and i only really use it when i am setting up tubs, or giving things a monthly check up. most of the time i just glance in and look at the acurite, instead of opening the drawer and bothering the snake just to check the temp.

but yes i'll stress again to the original poster, you need a thermostat to control a UTH. they have been known to spike to temps of 110˚+, which can and will burn your little scaled friend. a rheostat (lamp dimmer) will also work but not as well as thermostat will.