Try newspaper once. Just once. Then you'll see how much they REALLY pee Makes you want to strip the cage everytime.

And ammonia is heavier than the air around it, so the snake will be breathing it in while you don't smell anything. Stick your head in the tank and you'll smell it.

People with tanks usually use a thin layer of bedding(so the undertank heater can easily get the enclosure up to temp), cover the screen lid with foil and foil tape or a sheet of plexiglas cut to fit the inside screen area. Glad Press N Seal works well too, as does a black trash bag cut to fit and taped in place with black duct tape/foil tape.

A humid hide can be made out of a lidded container with a hole cut out of the side. Add either long-fibered sphagnum moss(obtained at Home Depot or Lowe's, brand name is Mosser Lee), or paper towels. Clean every few days if using paper towels as they will dry out and mold).

Try to not use a lamp if you can help it. It will dry out the air and won't help your quest for a good humidity level(50-60%).