My baby ball python has been striking when I get near the cage at night...

[starmom]

Oh yes! I'm sorry! I was so busy talking about everything else I didn't even think to say those things.

It's a 10 gallon tank for now, which I know won't be big enough in the future. It's around 86 degrees on the hot side with a 75 watt lamp and a side of the tank heating pad. The humidity is usually about 35%. That seems low for the ball python so I try and spray in there with a mister at least once a day thoroughly, but that doesn't last long.

He has one hide on the warm side, which is kind of small for him, I need to get a bigger one....there's a nice fake log in there for him to climb on at night. The water bowl is on the cool side, and it's big enough for him to completely fit in if he's curled up. The substrate is aspen shavings about two inches deep.

Oh gosh; I'm so glad that you are smart enough to make sure what you have is working and I'm certain you're smart enough to hear suggestions! Yea!!
So, you need to get the warm side of the tank up to about 90-92 and the cool side about 80. The humidity ought to be about 50-60% with a bump to 70% during shedding. Balls don't really like to soak usually, so if your is soaking it could be mites, stress, trying to find someplace for safety. You will want to get 2 hides, one for the cool side and one for the hot side. Do you have a thermostat running your UTH? You need to. How are you measuring temps? Where are you measuring temps; on top of the substrate or under it?
If I were to throw out a guess for its unfriendly behavior, I would have to say that the poor guy is totally stressed out and can't wait for you to run out tomorrow to get the things it requires!!!!!
Edit: You know what? You might want to start off with a better reptile cage or rack system. It would be much easier for you and much healthier for snake...since you'll need to get another cage anyway....