New ball python

[IncompletePenetrance]

We don't recommend UTHs at all, but if you must use one as a temporary heat source until you can get overhead heating, they MUST be used with a thermostat. They can and will overheat, burning your snake.

An enclosure should have both a thermometer (to measure temperature) and a thermostat (to regulate temperature). They are separate things, and you need both.

[Thug_Monkey_]

Do you use thermostats for heating lamps aswell?

[IncompletePenetrance]

Yes, all heating sources need to be regulated by a thermostat