Ball Python keeps striking

Question
When I first purchase my BP I could easily hold it.  But, know it keeps striking at me, even when I'm just near the cage it strikes at the glass.  The temps are around 95 during the day and drop to around 80 - 85 at night.  I have 2 sources of heat, (under the tank and a basking light) a water bowl, a grape vine, and 2 rocks for him to hide under.  (also, is it normal for the rock above the tank heater to get super hot from the basing light) When I first got the snake I would feed it in a separate container, then I started to feed it in it's cage, but now I'm feeding it in a separate container again. (I have read many articles stating not to feed it in the cage) Will this snake ever stop striking at everything?  

Answer
I just answered a similar question regarding a kingsnake. Regarding your python, my first question is whether you are feeding it enough. I have a couple of large snakes that constantly strike at the glass when they are hungry. Once they are fed they are happy campers. I'm not sure about BP temps, but I do know that the warmer it is, the more active your snake is going to be, and more likely to strike as well. If it's a young snake, handling will be your best bet in calming it down.