White bug on my mint, what do I do?

[jkeahey]

My roommates and I just recently started growing plants in our home. In particular we purchased a spearmint plant that we planned to use in our cooking, etc. Unfortunately this little white bug like thing has seemed to have taken a liking to it. I have attached pictures. Can anyone tell me what they are and how to get rid of them? Putting it out side is not a good option as our back patio is the only out door space we have and there is a bit of a pigeon problem there.