I personally do not recommend pine for the same reason, but others have used this substrate without any problems. Acceptable substrates include reptile bark, butcher paper, paper towels and Astroturf. Reptile bark can be purchased in pet stores, and is attractive and natural-looking. Butcher paper can be acquired in many places such as home depot or art supply stores. This substrate, while not particularly attractive, allows one to keep the cage very clean by continuously replacing the soiled paper.
Paper towels have the same advantages and disadvantages of butcher paper.
Astroturf can be used, but it does tend to rot easily if wetted, so it is best to have several pieces cut to fit the cage so you can rotate dirty and clean pieces. Appropriate Heating There are several choices for appropriate corn snake heating. Thermoregulation means that when a reptile is too cool, it moves to an area to warm itself, and when it is too hot, it moves to a cooler area. Access to warm areas are critically important to the health of your snake. Appropriate heating is required for proper digestion and the effective functioning of the immune system.